Is the Lap Band Permanent?
Lap band surgery is a weight loss surgery in which an adjustable silicone band is put around the top of the stomach. The band creates a stomach pouch that is smaller and restricts the amount of food that can be eaten. The lap band restricts food intake and controls hunger.
Advantages
The lap band is not permanent. It is adjustable and reversible, which gives the lap band an advantage over other weight loss surgeries. Other advantages include no cutting or stapling of the stomach and a quicker recovery.
Recovery
The surgery typically takes an hour to perform, and most patients leave the hospital after 24 hours. Most patients can return to work in a week and begin exercising four to six weeks after.
Candidates for Surgery
Good candidates for the lap band procedure have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or above; this is considered being morbidly obese. Males must be at least 100 pounds overweight and females must be 80 pounds overweight.
Contraindications
Contraindications for the lap band procedure include severe heart or lung disease; any inflammatory disease, such as Crohn's disease; or an autoimmune disease, such as lupus.
Considerations
Disadvantages of the lap band are the need for regular follow-up appointments and slower weight loss. A medical device is implanted, which may slip and reduce the effectiveness.
