What is a lap band?
Lap-band is a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placed in the stomach through surgery. This is one of the many procedures available for losing weight. This surgery is a minimally invasive procedure and hence does not involve any large opening or cutting. A band is placed at the top of the stomach forming a small pouch. This restricts the intake of food allowing the stomach to hold only a small portion of food. This, in turn, enables the person to lose weight as it reduces the quantity of food intake.
Lap-Band Procedure
With the rise in obesity, many are opting for the lap band surgery. However, this might not be the right option for everyone as there are certain risks associated with it. [ click here to learn about lap band risks] Various tests have to be undergone by the patient to see if surgery can be done. The results of the tests are analyzed, and then the surgeon decides if the patient is a good candidate for the lap band surgery. After the patient has cleared the preoperative screening, the date is fixed for the surgery.
Before the actual surgery begins, the patient is given general anesthesia. A small hole is made in the upper abdomen, and the lap band is wrapped around the upper portion of the stomach. This divides and separates the area from the rest of the stomach. From the lap band, a tube is connected to an access port through which the adjustments are made later. The opening is then stitched and the patient discharged after regaining consciousness.
How Lap Band Works
The primary function of the lapband is to control the intake of food. The pouch created using the adjustable gastric band can hold only a small portion of the food. Once this is full, it makes you feel full thereby stopping you from taking more food. This gradually controls your intake and helps you lose weight. The lap band device consists of a small balloon that is inflated to give the person the full feeling. The band is called the adjustable band as it can be filled and emptied when needed. This can be done through the access port. The band can be inflated by inserting a small amount of saline solution. The ability to adjust the band makes it useful to the patients.
[Learn more about How Lap Band Procedure is done.]
What Happens after Lap Band Surgery
For the first few days after the lap band surgery, the person is advised to have only liquid diet. Then slowly, this is moved to pureed food and then they are put back to the normal diet. It is important to follow the instructions of the doctor to avoid lap band surgery complications. Based on the feeling, the pouch can be expanded if the person requires more food. The person should eat limited in order to benefit from the surgery.
Learn More about Lap Band Post-op Aftercare:
Since most surgeries have their own risks and complications, surgical weight loss methods can be the last choice. You should talk to your doctor before making any decision.
