Adjustable Lap Band surgery is a type of bariatric surgical procedure to help obese or morbidly obese people lose weight. As with any surgery, there are risks and benefits with lap band surgery, so be sure to talk to your Albany, GA physician to see if adjustable lap band surgery is the right weight loss option for you.
How it Works
During Lap Band surgery, an adjustable gastric band is wrapped around the upper portion of the stomach. In essence, the band limits the amount of food it can hold, which limits the amount of food eaten. Lap band surgery is conducted laparoscopically using a small camera inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. The gastric band makes your stomach into a small pouch, making you feel full on less food.
Benefits
Lap band surgery can result in dramatic weight loss, with some people losing one-third to one-half of their extra body weight. Most people gradually lose weight over a three year period following the surgery. Some people continue losing weight up through five years after the surgery. Because the gastric band is adjustable, your Albany, GA surgeon can adjust the band periodically to increase food restriction if you are not losing weight.
Risks
Lap band surgery requires you to be under anesthesia, which presents risks for breathing problems or allergic reactions. Like other surgical procedures, Lap Band surgery patients have the risk of developing life-threatening blood clots, heart attack, stroke, bleeding, and infections. Port hernias, port infections, stomach obstructions, band slippage, and esophagus dilation are also risks of adjustable Lap Band surgery. Lastly, gastritis, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and malnutrition are possible after Lap Band surgery, but can be prevented by following the directions provided to you by your physician.
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