Lap Band – Lap Band for Weight Loss

The lap band is an adjustable gastric band placed around the top part of the stomach by laparoscopic surgery. It is designed to treat obesity for patients who have a BMI of 40 or higher. In some patients that have certain conditions that are known to get better with the loss of weight such as GERD, diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and osteoarthritis it may be approved for people with a lower BMI as low as 35. It was approved by the FDA in 2001 but is only considered after other methods have failed.

It is available in several places. But due to the relative newness of this procedure it can require travel to find a doctor to perform the surgery. The lap band Los Angeles is currently one of the places it is readily available. All patients should keep in mind that though this sounds like a great option, surgery for the obese can be quite risky. The operation can be a source of pain and risk. However, it is the least invasive of all weight loss procedures of this nature. There is no cutting or stapling involved. No part of the intestines or other organs is disturbed.

The gastric band is made of biocompatible materials. Weight loss surgery in the past may disqualify the patient for laparoscopic surgery and require a more open approach. Laparoscopy is done with a very small incision and a camera so the surgeon can see. He or she makes a space for the band and then fastens it around the stomach, much like a belt. As weight loss is achieved, the band must be adjusted to maintain weight loss. This is done in a less invasive way than surgery and can be done in a clinic. It may take several adjustments to get it at the right level for optimal performance.

The lapband is a great option for weight loss but only after other methods have been tried. Patients will need to have a BMI of 40 or be 100 pounds over their ideal weight. Typically the patient must be between the ages of 18 and 55; however, some exceptions are made for younger patients. The patient must have tried a medically supervised diet for about 6 months without success. There must be a history of obesity for at least the previous 5 years but this depends upon insurance requirements. The band is a lifelong procedure and the patient must be willing to comply with restrictions to achieve success.

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