Losing Weight with the Lap Band

The Lap band system is not as invasive or as risky as laparoscopic gastric bypass, according to a five year study comparing the two procedures.

The lap band and the laparoscopic gastric bypass patients all lost about the same amount of weight, but the gastric bypass carries a much higher risk of complications than the Lap band procedure. The study says that:

• Lap band is not as invasive and has a lessened risk for complications
• Patients who have the lap band procedure have less complications
• Those who have a lap band procedure have a shorter operation time, shorter hospital stay, and lose less
  blood as compared to gastric bypass surgery patients

Other parts of the study concludes that while those that had gastric bypass surgery lost more weight during the first four years, by the fifth year there was no discernible excess weight loss difference between the two procedures.

In addition, the study goes on to say that those that underwent gastric bypass surgery had many more complications that lap band patients, about 10% as opposed to 5% with the Lap Band System.

The Lap Band procedure is made to achieve weight loss for those that suffer from health conditions as a result of their weight. It is a system that doesn’t need to use stapling or cutting of the stomach, and it can be adjusted or reversed.

75% of patients are expected to lose 75 to 80% of their extra body weight after the procedure. Most will be off of medications for hypertension and type II diabetes as well. Other conditions that are greatly improved or gone completely are asthma, reflux, fatigue, sleep apnea, joint pain, arthritis, and shortness of breath. In addition, patients of the Lap Band procedure have better self esteem and overall life outlook.

Those who are candidates for this procedure are those that are 90 or more pounds overweight, and have or probably will have various medical problems that can be aided or cured by drastic weight loss. Weight loss surgery most benefits those with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and arthritis of the hips, back, or legs.

The Lap Band procedure, while not for everyone, can give people back their lives and reduce or eliminate many common health concerns related to obesity.