If you and your doctor have discussed the option of bariatric surgery to aid in your weight loss, you may have some questions about the types of procedures that are available to you. Out of more than 200,000 weight loss surgeries performed in the U.S. each year, lap band procedures are considered to be one of the safest and least invasive types of weight loss surgery around. It’s both common and smart to have questions about your weight loss surgery options. We’ve compiled some of the most popular FAQs about lap band procedures to provide you with the answers you likely need:
- What exactly does lap band surgery involve?
Gastric banding, also known as lap band surgery, is a surgical procedure that places an adjustable band around the upper portion of a patient’s stomach. Essentially, this band creates a new, restricted stomach pouch that helps you control and limit the amount of food you can eat. The band can be tightened or loosened by adding or removing saline via a port placed under the skin of the patient’s abdomen. Not only does the band restrict how much food you can fit in your stomach, but it also slows down the speed in which food passes into the small intestine. This sends important fullness signals to the brain and allows the patient to feel satisfied while consuming less food. - Are there risks associated with this kind of surgery?
With any type of surgery, there are always risks. However, because there is no stomach stapling, cutting, or gastrointestinal re-routing with this surgery, lap band complications are much rarer and less serious than with other procedures. Some patients experience abdominal pain, bleeding, or infection in rare cases, and the most common complication is lap band slippage. But in general, it’s considered to be the least invasive, least traumatic, and safest of the surgeries used for medical weight loss solutions. - Are there foods I will need to avoid?
Although you will be able to enjoy normal, healthy foods after the recovery period has ended, there are some foods you’ll want to avoid. These foods tend to cause problems with the lap band and can be hard on the stomach. Such foods include popcorn, pasta, dried fruits, nuts, certain breads, and fried foods. Your weight loss doctors can explain the dos and don’ts of lap band procedures in greater detail, including what foods to incorporate into your diet and what foods to avoid. - How fast will I lose weight?
How much weight you lose and the rate of weight loss depends on how closely you comply with lap band guidelines. These guidelines include eating only three small meals per day, no snacking between meals, getting 30 minutes of daily exercise, and total restriction of high-caloric beverages. Patients who follow these guidelines typically lose one to two pounds per week and lose about half of their excess weight within the first year of the procedure.
If you’re interested in learning more about medical weight loss programs and solutions like lap band procedures and other surgeries, contact us today to explore your options. We can help you gain control of your life and build a better, healthier future for yourself and your loved ones.
