The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is a relatively young weight loss procedure in the United States, having been approved by the FDA less than 10 years ago. The band resembles a shower curtain ring that has an inflatable inner ring that can be inflated or deflated with the addition or withdrawal of saline. Lap band surgery advantages are numerous. We will take a look at a few of them in this article.
In gastric banding, the stomach and intestine does not have to be cut or re-routed in any way. This allows the band to be removed in the future, if desired or if necessary, without doing any damage to the stomach or digestive system itself. Because there is no cutting of the stomach or intestine, banding does not create any malabsorption problems, as in other types of weight loss surgery.
Anesthesia risks are considerably decreased because the surgery is much shorter. Most lap band surgeries are an hour or less. Band surgery has far fewer complications during and after surgery.
Because the surgery is much less invasive, the recovery time is also considerably shorter. It is not unusual for a lap band patient to return to work (with restrictions on lifting) within a week’s time after having the procedure done.
Unlike other popular bariatric procedures, the lap band gives the body time to adjust to the weight loss because it happens at a slower rate. Lap band patients have less skin sagging when they reach their goal weights because of the slower pace of weight loss.
As you can see, there are many lap band surgery advantages. Gastric banding is an excellent choice for someone who wants to lose weight at a slower pace, have the choice to remove the band without damage to the internal organs and who prefers a shorter recovery time.