The Lap-Band is a bariatric surgical procedure designed to promote weight loss by changing the size of the stomach. Made of silicone, the band is placed around the stomach, creating a small pouch on the upper portion of the stomach in order to keep a patient from eating too much. Unlike its gastric bypass surgery counterpart, the Lap-Band does not affect the types of foods eaten--just the amount.
Committed Patient
Lap-Band surgery patients are typically 60 to 100 pounds overweight and experience conditions related to obesity, such as diabetes or heart disease, according to Lap Band Solutions. A Lap-Band works to better a patient's health by not only limiting food intake, but also reducing appetite and slowing the digestion process, making a person feel fuller longer.
A Lap-Band requires a commitment by the patient to change his eating habits, as the Lap-Band itself doesn't change those. Most surgeons require a patient to undergo counseling and after-surgical care for instruction in consuming a proper diet. The patient must avoid high-calorie foods and drinks to ensure the best weight-loss results.
For Best Results
After receiving education and making a commitment to follow a healthy diet, a patient can expect to lose up to 1 to 2 lbs. per week, 3 lbs. at most, within the first 12 months after the operation, according to the University of California, San Diego Medical Center. For many patients, this can translate into more than 100 pounds lost within a year.
After the first year, patients may not experience weekly weight loss; however, they should continue to lose excess weight. As an added benefit, chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, may reduce or even disappear as a result of increased weight loss.
Adjustability
In the most simplistic terms, the Lap-Band is a belt that goes around the stomach. If a patient is not achieving the desired weight-loss effect, a surgeon can adjust the Lap-Band to make it tighter around the stomach. This reduces the amount of food that can be consumed, thus resulting in increased weight loss. Conversely, the Lap-Band may be loosened for patients who are having trouble adjusting to the reduced eating requirements.
