The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is one of the many bariatric surgeries available to help seriously obese people lose weight and improve their overall health. The US National Institute of Health outlines acceptable candidates for bariatric surgery as follows:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds for women) or a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and a serious obesity-related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or severe sleep apnea (when breathing stops for short periods during sleep).
- Acceptable operative risks.
- An ability to participate in treatment and long-term follow-up.
- An understanding of the operation and the lifestyle changes you will need to make.
A laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (also known as “lap band”) is a silicone band that is placed via laparoscopic surgery around the upper portion of the patient’s stomach to reduce the amount of food the stomach can hold thus resulting is significant weight loss. The minimally invasive laparoscopic gastric band surgery provides the patient a quicker recovery, less time in the hospital and less scarring versus open gastric band surgery.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery is less invasive than some other types of bariatric surgery (or weight-loss surgeries). There is no stapling of the stomach or cutting of the gastrointestinal tract with gastric band surgery. The recovery time is quicker than gastric bypass surgery and there are no mal-absorption issues which come from bypassing some of the intestines.
Not everyone is a candidate for laparoscopic gastric band surgery. Individuals who have had a previous stomach surgery or who have serious medical conditions may not be eligible for this type of procedure. Potential candidates will need to meet with a medical professional to determine which weight loss option is best suited for them.
Cited References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/gastric_band
http://www.lapband.com/get_informed/about_lapband/how_it_works/
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm