by jackiebese

Article by Steff X

Gastric-band surgery is designed to help people shed most of theirexcess body fat by helping them feel full all the time. To do this, asilicone band is fitted around the top of the stomach, reducing itssize not bigger than an orange. Using this method, patient will feelfull easily and cannot overeat, even if they can’t help thenselves. Ifthey do take more than they can contain, it could result in vomitting,pain and heart burn.

Gastric band surgery, also known as LapBand is one of the more popularchoice of weight loss surgery. Almost all of the LapBand surgeriesperformed are laparoscopic as compared to conventional “open”surgeries.

In laparoscopic surgery, several keyholes incisions were made in theabdomen to insert human-controlled ‘robotic arm ‘ to perform thesurgery. After the patient has been given general anesthesia and isasleep, a harmless gas is introduced into the abdomen to move theorgans so that the surgeon can work in wider space and can see clearlywhen a tiny laparoscope camera is inserted into one incision through anarrow hollow tube.

Laparoscopic surgeries are less invasive procedures that usuallyinvolve a few smaller keyhole incision instead of a single longincision that will be more likely to result in longer recovery periodand heavier scarring. While open surgery can leave a long scar about 6to 8 inches, laparoscopic scars are minimal. The recovery time is alsoshorter with less complications in laparoscopic surgery.

Since its clinical introduction in 1993, more than 150,000 Lap-Bandprocedures have been performed around the world. This type of surgerytypically have a success rate of 90%.

A LapBand surgery typically take longer time to lose weight as compared to a gastric bypass but it’s benefits are aplenty. It is the only weight loss surgery that is reversible – meaning that you can make adjustment to it or have it completely removed as and when you like.

Other than placing the gastric-band around the top of the stomach, thesurgeon will also place an access port in the abdominal wallunder the skin. This will give access access to the port that fluid isregulated to tighten or ease the restriction of the band.

A laparoscopic gastric band surgery only take 1 hour during which youwill be given general anesthesia and hospitalization of 1 or 2 days isnecessary. This is to gather X-ray imaging on the following day postsurgery and to monitor your condition to ensure everything goesaccording to plan. For the next approximately 3 weeks, your diet arerestricted to soft and liquid food such as soup and mashed up food. The portion of your food will be around one or two ounce per meal to allow the stomach to heal. A permanent diet will then be introduced where the portion are gradually increased to 4-6 ounces.

On average, people who have gastric-band surgery can expect to losebetween one half and two-thirds of their excess weight. The success ofthe lap band weight loss procedure depends on how committed andmotivated the patient is to adhering to the post-surgery dietary andexercise guidelines, which are key to achieving long-term weight loss.

Some of the risks associated with gastric-band surgery are typical ofany medical procedure while others relate to the placement of thegastric-band itself. Gastric-band surgery patients are also atrisk of experiencing less serious ongoing conditions such as heartburn, reflux and vomiting. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise or the gastric-band needs immediate adjustment, the only real ongoing medical support needed is annual check-ups with the operating surgeon.

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