By now you know that obesity is a growing concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, America has not achieved its Healthy People 2020 goal of an obesity rate less than 30.5%. Unfortunately, the obesity rate remains over 40% putting millions of American lives at stake.
NOVA Bariatrics
Americans of all sizes are searching for ways to rectify the obesity pandemic. Lap Band surgery, or gastric banding, is a surgical treatment for obesity. Lap Band refers to a specific brand device that people tend to use interchangeably with gastric banding. There are many different types of lap bands, but they all serve the same function: to restrict stomach size and limit the amount of food it can hold in certain periods of time.
Causes of Childhood Obesity
The band is made of silicone and can be tightened by adding saline (a solution of salt in water) to the band. It sits around the upper portion of the stomach and helps in slowing the passing of food into the intestines. When the pouch fills, it sends a signal to the brain that no more food is needed which results in a sensation of fullness for the individual.
In 2017, over 200,000 Americans had gastric bypass. Before we examine what to expect before and after lap band surgery, we’d like to take a moment to commend the individuals who are doing all they can to better their health and lives.
2020 has been a challenging year for us all. If you are obese or overweight, you are not alone. At Nova Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery, we offer a comprehensive range of minimally Invasive weight-loss procedures and lifelong support (link to internal blog on weight-loss).
When you choose Nova Bariatrics, we are with you every step of the way. All you need to do is take that first step to a healthier life.
Now, let’s take a closer look at Lap Band surgery and see if it’s right for you.
What to Expect Before Lap Band Surgery
First, let’s define obesity and see who exactly qualifies for a lap band or gastric banding. Eligibility is based on Body Mass Index or BMI. Research supports the benefits of weight-loss surgery for those who meet the following requirements:
You have a BMI over 35 or 40 percent and are experience negative health-related side effects.
You cannot maintain a healthy weight regardless of exercise and medically-supervised diets
You are more than 100lbs overweight
You have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or are prone to strokes all due to being overweight
You don’t need to visit a doctor’s office to calculate your BMI. There are many free tools online. All you need to know is your height and weight. If your BMI is over 35% then you are more prone to long-term obesity related illnesses. Therefore, you might want to discuss with your doctor about gastric banding.
If you have Type 2 diabetes and a BMI over 35%, then gastric banding might be right for you. Researches show that diabetics who undergo weight-loss surgery see numerous benefits as long as they follow post-surgery rules and care.
What to Expect Before Lap Band Surgery
Lap Band surgery is a big commitment, and it will cost more than just money to see results. At NOVA, we like to see that patients have a proven track record of necessary life style changes like diet and exercise. We’re able to refer our clients to exceptional nutritionists and specialists who can provide our clients with the best before and aftercare so clients stay on the path to success.
General requirements before weight-loss surgery include the following:
- Limit how much food the stomach can hold
- Stop digestive system from absorbing some of the calories you eat so you can lose weight
What to Expect After Lap Band Surgery
First, you can expect to lose a LOT of weight! Your hard work will soon pay off. Imagine how good it will feel to see the results you deserve. Expect to lose up to 60 percent of your extra weight. If you’ve previously struggled to lose weight due to an underlying medical condition, you will likely see improvements. The benefits are not just physical. 95% of individuals who receive lap band surgery, see an improvement in every facet of their lives. The end results are priceless!
Thanks to laparoscopic technology, weight-loss surgery recovery time is not as long as you’d might think. This technology allows surgeons to make small cuts. This minimally-invasive process may allow you to get back to normal activities in three to five weeks.
As with all surgeries, there are potential side effects.
Lap Band surgery side effects may include:
- Vomiting and migraines
- Gallstones (internal link to Nova blog on gallstone removal surgery)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Dehydration
Patients are asked to remain in touch with their surgeon as positive and negative side effects may increase as time goes by. If you do not see positive results, adjustments may be needed and are arranged on a case by case basis.
Remember We Are Here for You. Get in Touch Today!
Nova Bariatrics and Minimally Invasive Surgery is a complete weight loss solution. Dr. Alibhai is a fellowship trained bariatric surgeon who specializes in:
- Obalon Balloon System
- Medical Weight Loss
- Duodenal Switch
- Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Sleeve
Learn More About Nova’s Obalon Program:
- Vomiting and migraines
- Gallstones (internal link to Nova blog on gallstone removal surgery)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Dehydration