The Lap-Band falls under the category of gastric banding, currently on the market there are two brands of gastric band, one is called the Lap-Band and the other is the Realize band. They have been available in theUnited Statessince 2001 when the FDA approved them for use.
The Lap-Band is the brand name of Allergan Corporation and it consists of a band of silicon that is surgically implanted around the top portion of the stomach. The band creates a pouch at the upper part of your stomach that is roughly the size of a ping pong ball. This pouch holds about an ounce of food. Clearly if your stomach is now this small you appetite will be greatly reduced and over a much shorter period of time you will experience significant weight loss. What is important to note here is that your ability to keep the weight off will be easier because the Lap-Band will prevent you from binge eating and undermining your success.
Now because everyone’s anatomy is different the Lap-Band is adjustable. The adjustments do not require additional surgical procedures; they are easily done through a small port that is located just beneath your skin that is accessed with a special needle. A syringe filled with regular sterile saline solution adds or removes saline from the Lap-Band to make it loose or tighter depending on your need. The ideal tightness of the Lap-Band is called “The sweet spot” this is when the band is inflated to the point where it allows enough food through to allow a slow movement of food through the stomach allowing a consistent weight loss.
How to know if you qualify for the Lap-Band procedure
Don’t be misled by thinking that weight loss surgery of any kind is the answer to your weight loss needs. The Lap-Band just like any other weight loss surgery is merely a tool in your battle against obesity. When diets have failed gastric banding may be the answer you are seeking. Recently the National institutes of health lowered the requirements for having the surgery so now if you have a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 or approximately 75 pounds overweight or a BMI of 30 with two obesity related illnesses like sleep apnea or acid reflux you are also eligible for surgery. Body mass index is a calculation that takes your height and your weight in consideration to give you a measurement of your body fat overall.
Next we will explain the Lap-Band surgery process and how to prepare for it.