If you are 50 pounds overweight or more, the Lap Band could be for you.
For over 20 years, laparoscopic bariatric surgery using an adjustable gastric band has been a safe and effective method in achieving significant weight-loss. Lap band surgery is designed to improve health, quality of life, and of course accomplish significant weight-loss. As a result of its immense success, the lap band procedure remains a highly used approach for surgeons treating obese patients.
As one of the safest and minimally invasive bariatric methods available, the Lap Band helps you gradually lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The weight-loss you’ll experience will literally add years to your life. Today’s Lap Band system is more advanced and effective than ever. As one of the most widely used forms of bariatric treatment, the Lap Band will help you achieve your goals on a daily basis.
Who can Benefit from the Lap Band Procedure?
Proper candidates for lap band surgery should meet the following criteria:
- Good mental health
- Should not suffer from hyperphagia/polyphagia
- A BMI (body mass index) of 35 or above (will consider patients with BMI 30 or greater)
- Need to lose 50 lbs or more
- Are at least 18 years of age or greater
- Experienced past failures with other weight loss methods
The Lap Band Procedure
*Results may vary
‘Laparoscopic’ refers to the fiber optic instrument (the laparascope) surgeons use to view internal organs during the procedure. During surgery, the band–an inflatable silicone device–is placed on the upper portion of the stomach, limiting the patient’s intake of food and suppressing hunger. The lap band will not interfere with normal digestion and is completely reversible. There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach, allowing the patient to experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
By suppressing the appetite, gradual weight-loss will be experienced painlessly. Today’s Lap Band System is flexible and able to conform to the body, providing you with immense comfort. The band is available in two sizes and equipped with a wide range of adjustments in order to ensure your band is customized to fit your weight-loss needs.
After Lap Band Surgery
The key advantage of the Lap Band is its adjustability, which allows for a moderate progression of weight loss. Weight loss typically occurs during the first two years, but many experience a gradual reduction in weight beyond that period. Lifestyle changes are always recommended to ensure an optimum improvement in the patient’s health and appearance.
Success is measured not only by amount of weight lost, but also on quality-of-life improvements and the prevention or resolution of disorders related to obesity, including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and depression.
Make an Informed Choice on Lap Band Surgery
The decision to undergo Lap Band surgery is a big step toward changing your life and overall health. We don’t recommend patients make the decision with haste, but rather, we encourage our patients to make an informed decision–fully understanding the risks involved. Dr. Frenzel is an expert fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon who has significant experience with the Lap Band.
As one of the most widely used forms of bariatric treatment, Dr. Frenzel provides a safe and comfortable experience with your goals in mind. Improve your life while improving your health with this highly effective procedure. To learn more about the Lap Band procedure and discuss whether you are a good candidate, contact the Dallas bariatric surgery office of Dr. Frenzel to schedule a consultation.
Candidates for Lap Band Surgery
The Lap Band procedure is available for candidates who suffer from obesity, have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 35, and struggle with obesity co-morbid conditions. You are a viable candidate for lap band weight loss surgery if you have been unsuccessful in traditional weight loss methods including exercise, healthy eating habits, and behavior modification programs.
When determining which method of weight loss surgery is best for your body, it is vital that you understand both the risks and rewards. Weight loss surgery requires significant eating habit changes. Lap Band patients are required to make a lifetime commitment to changing their eating habits. Because this is a crucial element in deciding to proceed with the Lap Band procedure, patients must be 100 percent committed to the lifestyle changes that accompany the surgery.
Contraindications
Candidates for this procedure must be over the age of 18. The Lap Band is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients who cannot commit to the required changes in eating habits, women who are or may become pregnant, patients who have conditions that make them unfit for surgery or are at risk of poor results, and those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. If you fall under one of the above categories, you are not considered a good candidate for lap band surgery.
Warnings
For patients who are good candidates and are committed to changing their eating habits, Lap Band is successful weight loss surgery. It is important for patients to understand that Lap Band is a long-term implant. However, explant and replacement surgery may be necessary. For example, if a patient becomes pregnant or severely ill, the implant may need to be removed or replaced. During the recovery process, anti-inflammatory agents are to be used cautiously as they can cause band erosion.
Complications and Adverse Events
Because Lap Band surgery is a major surgery, death can occur. Complications are possible, including risks from medications and methods used during surgery and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Other possible adverse events include band slippage, erosion and deflation, obstruction of the stomach, reflux, dilation of the esophagus, nausea, infection, and vomiting.
Like any surgery, complications can arise. After the Lap Band procedure, rapid weight loss may result in complications that require additional surgery. Reoperation may be necessary. And deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.
For more information on the possible risks and complications of the Lap Band weight loss surgery, contact Dr. Frenzel and schedule a consultation.