Obesity is a problem all over the world and has become a health issue that many people are faced with. It may be hereditary or because of a sedentary lifestyle, but there comes a time when general health is a risk and something has to be done to fight this problem. If dieting and exercise are not working, lap band surgery may be an option to be explored.
In order to be eligible for lap band surgery, the patient will have to undergo a series of tests and exams to see if they are indeed eligible for this procedure. If the patient gets through the screening process, the next step is to schedule the procedure. On average, the operation will last about an hour or a little less and is only considered to be slightly invasive.
Lap band surgery is an alternative to stapling. This is much less drastic and literally ties a band around the top of the stomach area to basically create a smaller stomach pocket. This smaller pocket will create only a limited space and reduces the functional space of the stomach. The adjustable balloon that is inside creates the feeling of being full longer and therefore decreases the desire to eat.
This surgery has been very successful in weight loss and has become the preferred method by many people because of the advantages that it has over stapling. The stomach does not have to be cut and this is something that many fear during a stapling procedure. Unlike stapling, adjustments to the size of the stoma are done in about 15 minutes whereas stapling will require another surgery.
Stapling is a much more involved process and that could require a longer hospital stay. Most patients that use the lap band are out of the hospital in about 2 days. Of course, the procedure is also easily reversed with little to no complications to be expected. The upside to this surgery would seem to make it an easy decision of stapling for most people.
Once the surgery is over and the patient is on the road to recovery, there are several things that should be kept in mind. First and foremost is that caffeine of any type may not be consumed for the first three months. Carbonated beverages are another thing that must be avoided as they can create gas and cause problems for the balloon.
Be prepared to be on a liquid diet for a few weeks after the surgery as well. The stomach is going to need time to heal and this will actually serve as a very good adjustment period for the new diet. Once solids can be consumed, the stomach is only going to hold a very small portion and the patient is going to have a period of adjustment. They will need to get a lot of their nutrition in a liquid form and learning this right way will definitely help.
One last thing to consider when getting lap band surgery is that it is going to be a major adjustment. The fact that someone is having this surgery suggests that they have a problem eating for whatever reason. The inability to eat as they formerly did can be quite an adjustment and sometimes therapy is needed. While it may be a little rough in the beginning, the long term benefits will make it more than worth it in the end.