Of all the methods of gastric bypass, lap band surgery is said to be the safest. Candidates for this type of surgery are obese and may have had no success reducing their weight through exercise or dieting. The procedure itself takes roughly forty minutes under anesthesia. An inflatable band is squeezed around the stomach and tied rather like a belt, dividing the stomach into two parts; the small upper and larger lower sections. Between these parts lies the stoma and this is affected by the amount of saline which the lap band contains, which in turn controls the amounts of food flow into the intestines.

Candidates for lap band are carefully selected. A good look will be taken of their eating habits, underlying medical conditions, whether they smoke or drink, what type of psychological problems could be causing them to overeat; all so that they may be treated. For example, patients may suffer from anxiety or depression (treatable) or be overeating as a result of childhood sexual abuse in a subconscious effort to make themselves less attractive.

Is it reversible? Yes it is. The band can be loosened or tightened to suit the patient by a simple adjustment of saline in the inflatable band via the insertion of a very slender needle. This is particularly useful if weight loss is too rapid, or the patient has a weight increase instead of decrease; or has a lifestyle change such as pregnancy or becoming unwell. The band can be totally removed by surgery.

Why this method? Well the patient may not be a candidate for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Bariatric surgery regulations require the potential patient to be obese with a body mass index of forty or higher. Between thirty-five and just under forty they will only be considered should they suffer simultaneously from hypertension, diabetes or both. Anyone with a body-mass index of under thirty-five is usually not viable for anything other than lap banding, which carries with it fewer risks.

The technique is preferable to other types of gastric bypass as not only is there less scarring, but recovery is shorter and requires a smaller amount of time in hospital. It is also non-invasive which makes it preferable. As a general rule, people over the age of sixty-six and under eighteen should not really submit themselves to gastric surgery; however, as every case is decided on its own merits, lap band may be a possibility.

A slower weight-loss rate is experienced with this surgery in comparison with more invasive surgery. Usually one to two pounds a week will be lost. Surgery is not advisable for people with existing gastric problems such as stomach ulcers, hernias and other diseases of the digestive tract.

How does it work? It completely changes the digestive tract and has an effect on the entire alimentary system. Someone who has undergone this type of surgery will not be able to eat large amounts of food and in fact, will have to adjust to eating small meals on a more regular basis. It is a total lifestyle change. Having said this, however, it is not an opting-out measure for not sticking to a healthy lifestyle. If persistent bad eating habits continue, weight can be gained again.

The beauty of lap band surgery is not only its minimally-invasive quality, but also for the fact that no dumping will occur. Dumping is the process where bits of non-digested food mixed with sugary substances and pass through the stomach into the intestine too rapidly. This causes great discomfort with cramping, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and weakness. Having lap banding, the patient should not experience dumping, but is still advised to follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid regaining weight.

Looking for info on lap band, the latest weight loss surgery craze? Then check out lapbanddiary.com for all your lap band information, reviews and financing tips.

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