Facts And Information About Lapband Surgery

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By Matthew Hall


Over a period of time, obesity has continued to be a concern for many people. While the use of lifestyle modification is the most important treatment mode, the use of surgery has become popular with time. One of the most important surgical procedures is called gastric banding, also known as lapband surgery. A number of useful tips will help one to know what to expect from the procedure.

It is a surgical procedure which involves placement of an adjustable belt round the upper sections of the stomach through the use of a laparoscope. The band is usually made from silicone and is able to be tightened through addition of saline to fill the band. This band is connected to some port which is placed under skin of the abdomen. The port is used for introduction or removal of the saline into the band.

Ultimately, this procedure restricts stomach size and thus the amount of food it is able to hold. It will also slow down the food passage into the intestines. In so doing, signals to the brain that come from the gut will allow for a sensation of fullness. One will thus consume less food. The signal is usually sent from a small pouch that is created by the band at the upper section of the stomach. When this pouch gets filled, the same signal will be sent to the brain.

The surgery is done under full anesthesia and usually goes for between one and two hours. It is done through a laparoscopic method that involves having very small incisions made in the stomach. The incisions are normally 3 or 5 and are roughly one inch long. The doctor inserts a small camera into one of the incisions to be able to view the procedure via a screen. For better precision, the camera is attached to some tube. The incisions that are not used are utilized for allowing surgical band placement.

Preparing well for the procedure will be key. Depending on the program one goes for or the surgeon in question, preparation will be varied. The majority of institutions look to first see how committed the patient is when it comes to change in lifestyle. The patient will be expected to start by eating 5 to 6 very small meals every day in preparation for changes ahead. High calorie foods like ice cream or milk shakes should be avoided.

The recovery will vary with an individual. Generally, however, this procedure offers short hospitalization and quicker recovery as compared to other gastric procedures. Most people will get back to work one week. This is if the work is not so physically demanding. Normal activity will normally resume after about 6 weeks.

After you come from the procedure, there might be a feeling of discomfort or pain but this is easily controlled using medications. After 6 to 8 weeks, any discomfort ends and normalcy resumes. At first, weight loss will be very rapid but this slows down after some time. In total, one will lose about 40 percent of what their weight was.

There are a few side effects that you should expect. These include nausea, vomiting, ulceration at the band site and dehydration. It is also possible for a patient to experience weight regain.




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