Lap Band Obesity Surgery – Safest Surgeries for Weight Loss

Lap-band adjustable gastric banding is the latest entrant that’s been approved by the FDA in 2001 in the sphere of surgical treatment for morbid obesity.

Gastric Lap Band obesity surgery is a non-permanent weight loss treatment that has become a popular option for people suffering from clinically severe obesity. Lap Band also called gastric banding, involves creating a smaller stomach chamber. Unlike gastric bypass, Lap Band obesity surgery is easily reversible, a distinct advantage for prospective patients concerned about the possible side effects of bariatric surgery. The good thing about Lap Band® obesity surgery is that it does not involve any cutting or stapling of the stomach. In addition, it can be adjusted to the patient’s need after surgery without any operation. For patients requiring more nutrition, like pregnant women, they can have their bands loosened. For patients who are not adequately benefitting can have their gastric bands tightened. Lap Band obesity surgery is the only adjustable surgical treatment available in the United States as of now.

The device used in Lap Band obesity surgery is made out of Silastic®, a type of plastic that does not react with internal body tissues. An inflatable tube is located inside the Lap Band®; when inflated with an injection of saline solution, the tube provides adjustable gastric banding. The reservoir used for injecting solution is implanted under the skin during gastric Lap Band  obesity surgery. A bariatric surgeon can adjust the Lap Band® tube at a later date by injecting or removing saline solution.

As with any medical procedure, Lap Band obesity surgery results vary from patient to patient and depend on several factors. Two of the major benefits of Gastric Lap Band Obesity Surgery are 1)successful, safe, and effective weight loss and 2)freedom from many obesity-related health problems. Other benefits that are specific to gastric Lap Band® surgery includes: minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, stomach remains intact, no stomach stapling, normal intestinal function, adjustable gastric band, fully reversible procedure, relatively short recovery. Risks and complications of Lap Band obesity surgery may include: stomach wall deterioration, formation of ulcers, vomiting, heartburn, gas bloat, and difficulty in swallowing.

Like gastric bypass surgery, Lap Band® surgery reduces the size of the stomach and allows patients to feel full after consuming very little food. Bariatric surgeons generally prefer the Lap Band obesity surgery, as it involves less discomfort and a shorter recovery period.

Still, Lap Band obesity surgery, is not completely without risk even though it is considered the safest of surgeries for obesity. The device may require repair and time consuming additional minor operations, and weight loss is very dependent on longterm follow-up visits. Plus, certain foods may never be well tolerated by Lap Band® surgery patients.