Lap band surgery is also known as the adjustable gastric band. Surgeons perform this laparoscopic procedure on those who are obese. The lap band gets placed around the stomach, which helps to limit the amount of food it can hold, thus helping the patient lose weight.
To better understand this surgery, here are three things to know about lap band.
1. Know Who Can Get Lap Band Surgery
Just because a person is overweight, doesn't mean they can get lap band surgery. In most cases, only those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more meet the criteria for the operation.
There are exceptions for patients with weight-related health issues, such as sleep apnea or Type 2 diabetes. Those who have these conditions need only have a BMI of at least 35. Patients who undergo the procedure must also be able to prove they have tried and failed at losing weight by other means.
2. Know the Benefits of Lap Band Surgery
The obvious benefit of lap band surgery is that it is a quick way to lose a lot of weight. On average, lap band surgery helps people lose 50% of their excess weight. Another benefit of this surgery is that for most patients, it is an outpatient procedure. Others may only have to stay in the hospital overnight.
During the procedure, a surgeon makes 3 to 5 incisions, each of them just 1-inch long. The surgery takes one to two hours to perform. Besides being quick and painless, many people who have had lap band surgery enjoy the boost of confidence they experience after shedding excess weight.
Many patients also experience a higher quality of life, plus they have a reduced risk of having weight-related health issues.
3. Know About Diet Restrictions Following Lap Band Surgery
Patients need to adhere to a strict diet following lap band surgery. The day after the procedure, they will only be able to have clear liquids, such as water, broth, gelatin, and fruit juice. Gradually, patients can add blended foods and pureed vegetables to their diet. Eventually, patients will be able to start eating soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, pudding, and soup.
After the patient is able to eat their normal foods, they will have to learn to eat smaller meals. It's usually recommended that those with a lap band eat 6 small meals a day. They might end up having an intolerance to certain foods, such as meats, dairy, salad greens, bread, and high-fiber foods.
For more information about the lap band surgery, talk to Davtyan Medical Weight Loss.