Severely obese people know that when dieting and exercising fails to produce positive results, weight loss surgery, also known as Bariatric surgery, may be their only solution. Obesity is rarely an isolated situation, it is often associated with, or contributes to, other health conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes, heart and lung problems, and mobility issues.
Men who need to lose 100 pounds or more and women who need to lose 80 pounds or more may benefit from having Bariatric surgery. An examination and evaluation by a Victorville General Surgeon can determine if you are a serious candidate for weight loss surgery. When the surgeon determines that lap-band surgery is a good fit for your obesity situation, he will discuss all of the pros and cons of the entire process. This will include the lifestyle changes you’ll need to follow for successful weight loss, any potential risks, and an estimated schedule of weight loss expectations.
Lap-Band Surgery Overview
Lap-band surgery is the least invasive form of Bariatric operations. It’s also the safest procedure because it does not remove any part of your digestive tract and it’s reversible. Lap-band surgery is the abbreviated name for Laparoscopic-banding and is also known as gastric-banding.
Before the surgery, you’ll be given a general anesthetic so that you will be asleep and not feel anything during the procedure. The surgeon will make a few small incisions in your abdomen to accommodate a laparoscopic camera and the required surgical instruments. An adjustable band is positioned around the upper part of your stomach. The result is a smaller stomach pouch above the band with a narrow passage into the lower part of your stomach. A thin tube connects the band to a delivery port where saline fluid can be inserted or withdrawn when an adjustment is needed. The incisions are sealed shut, and there is minimal scarring. The operation takes 30 to 60 minutes for completion.
Surgery Recovery
Lap-band surgery requires a short stay in the hospital. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to work when to resume normal activities, and when you’ll need follow-up office visits. You’ll receive detailed instructions on what foods, and in what amounts, you can and cannot eat with a lap-band, and if you need to take any supplements. You’ll be restricted to liquid or pureed foods for the first few weeks after surgery. When needed, the band can be adjusted in the surgeon’s office or clinic.
