Since the 1990's, surgeons have been safely performing laparoscopic bariatric surgery with the adjustable gastric band. The procedure has been established as a safe method of weight loss, but that isn’t the only goal; improvement in the patient’s quality of life and health are equally important. Through lap band surgery, we can help people lose a significant amount of weight, reduce the health risks related to obesity, and substantially improve quality of life.
A good candidate for lap band surgery will meet the following requirements:
- Body Mass Index of 40 or higher
- No hyperphagia/polyphagia
- Good mental health
- Between ages 18 - 55
- History of failure with traditional weight loss methods
What is Laparoscopic bariatric surgery?
The term “laparoscopic” refers to a fiber optic instrument - the laparascope – that provides a view of internal organs during the surgical procedure. An inflatable silicone tube called a lap band is placed on the upper portion of your stomach, which effectively limits food intake suppresses hunger. The band causes patients to feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food. It should not interfere with normal digestion processes.
Benefits of Lap Band Surgery
Bariatric surgeons favor the lap band for many reasons. Aside from the obvious benefits of being a minimally invasive option, the lap band system offers advantages such as adjustability and reversibility.
Adjustability is the main advantage of a lap band because it provides a moderate, progressive weight loss. Although patients will typically lose the most weight during the first 3 years after surgery, gradual weight loss can still occur after that period.
Reversibility is an option with lap band surgery, though most patients are satisfied with the results and want to maintain their new body weight. After removal of the lap band, the stomach gradually returns to its original state and weight gain can occur.
Minimally invasive surgery is an advantage of the lap band that patients consider important. Other bariatric surgeries can involve stomach stapling, cutting and rerouting. The lap band system involves none of these surgical methods, so recovery time and postoperative pain are significantly reduced.
After Lap Band Surgery
One major concern after bariatric surgery is the presence of loose skin that accompanies massive weight loss. Fortunately, there are surgical techniques that tighten and lift the body skin to can often put the “finishing touch” on your significant weight loss.
Click here to see information on post bariatric body contouring:
Before and after the surgery, we recommend that patients initiate healthy lifestyle changes to ensure the most satisfactory improvement. A patient’s success isn’t simply measured by the amount of weight lost; improvements in health and general well being are also considered. Such improvements may include prevention or resolution of disorders related to obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and depression.
How to proceed
Deciding to undergo any type of bariatric surgery is a big step. Prospective patients should make a careful assessment of the risks involved and weigh them against the possible benefits.
To learn more about the lap band and the surgery involved, or to discuss whether you might be a good candidate, contact Inland Cosmetic Surgery and schedule a consultation.
Our state-of-the-art surgery center is located in Rancho Cucamonga, in the heart of the Inland Empire and convenient to Upland, Ontario, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, and Riverside, California. We also see bariatric surgery patients at our satellite office located in Victorville, convenient to Apple Valley and Hesperia, and a second satellite office in Beverly Hills.
