The LAP-BAND is an adjustable and removable band that is placed around the upper portion of your stomach that gently constricts your stomach to form a smaller "new stomach". This smaller pouch slows the passage of food, reducing hunger considerably even though you are eating smaller portions. You should gradually lose 1-3 pounds a week in the first year and your LAP-BAND is adjustable to make sure that you lose the most amount of weight possible, while ensuring that you get all the nutrition that your body needs to stay healthy.
Approach to Weight Loss:
The LAP-BAND procedure utilizes a restrictive approach, which reduces the amount of food that can be consumed at one meal, slows digestion and creates a feeling of being satisfied after eating smaller portions.
Dietary Guidelines:
During the weight loss period, (approximately 2-3 years), you should eat only around 800 calories each day, and can move up to 1000-1200 calories once your weight loss goal has been reached. Diets should include foods that are rich in protein and low in fat and calories. You should also drink 6-8 cups of water each day and avoid any drinks that are caffeinated or carbonated.
Eating Habits
You should eat three small meals each day and resist snacking. It is also important to not drink liquids during a meal to prevent it washing through the LAP-BAND, as well as eating slowly and ensuring your food is chewed thoroughly.
Nutritional Supplements:
A standard Multivitamin and Calcium Supplement.
Operating Time:
1 hours
Hospital Stay:
Less than 24 hours, often overnight
Time off Work:
1 week
Recovery Time:
6 weeks
Surgery Method:
Laparoscopic
Adjustable:
Yes
Reversible:
Yes
Medical Implant:
Yes
Surgery Risks and Disadvantages:
As with any serious or bariatric surgery, there are the standard inherent risks of complications. However, as it is a less invasive procedure, the LAP-BAND has a lower risk factor than with other weight loss operations. Slipping of the band may occur and may require surgery to correct. If the gastric band is too tight, nausea and/or vomiting may occur.
Surgery Benefits and Advantages:
The LAP-BAND is a relatively safe and simple procedure that is both adjustable to help maintain a gradual and successful program and fully reversible. LAP-BAND surgery also does not involve and incisions, stapling or removal of the stomach or intestines. This also greatly reduces the risk of malnutrition, as the LAP-BAND does not affect the absorption of calories or nutrients. The hospital stay and recovery period are also fairly short, and there are multiple patient support programs available to help you maintain your weight loss.
Average Weight Loss:
Weight is lost at a gradual pace, and can settle around 3-4 years after surgery, with an average weight loss of 50% after 1 year and 55% weight after 5 years.
Anatomy Changes:
No incisions or stapling is made to the stomach or intestines, and no anatomy is changed. The LAP-BAND itself is placed around the stomach to create a smaller pouch at the top, but is completely reversible and removable.