There are several types of bariatric (obesity) surgery used to combat severe weight problems. Some are more invasive than others, and many are irreversible regardless of the impact they have on the patient's life or well-being. Gastric bands are an excellent choice for weight loss surgery if you meet the requirements, but there are several factors that will have an effect on the effectiveness and safety of the gastric band procedure.
Types of Band Procedures Used for Weight Loss Surgery
Most people automatically call all gastric bands by the brand name: LAP-band. However, there are three types often used in band procedures: LAP-band, the Swedish Band and the Midband. The differences between the styles of bands amounts to the level of "balloon" that is a padding to cushion the walls of the abdomen from the restrictive band, and the amount of adjustability. The Swedish Band (actually manufactured in Switzerland not Sweden) is the most adjustable of all the bands, and used in surgeries known as AGB, or adjustable gastric banding. AGB is a more gradual method than the other forms of gastric bands as there is less initial restriction so that dieter's can gradually get used to eating a lower calorie diet, and the band is then restricted at various stages until it is at the maximum level.
Other gastric bands start out at the maximum level right off the bat. Those types of gastric bands have the fastest weight loss, but some argue the long-term success is less effective because dieters really do not learn how to properly adjust their eating over time and develop a healthier lifestyle. Instead they crash into the diet, and end up cheating, eating more and more until the effect of the band is negated because the upper portion of the stomach remaining over the band expands to accommodate more food. It is important to note that even these less adjustable gastric bands can still be adjusted to some degree in order to create the best level of restriction for each patient, and when necessary alleviate side-effects from gastric band surgery.
The Bottom Line in Band Effectiveness
No matter which of the possible bands you and your surgeon choose, if you do not follow the prescribed diet and exercise plan, they are not going to be very effective, or lasting. Your post-op visits will include time with a nutritionist to help you learn a new way of eating, as well as daily prescription vitamins and minerals to compensate for eating less food.
Safety of Band Procedures
Gastric bands are among the safest of all weight loss surgeries. However, there are still possible problems that can accompany the procedure. As with any abdominal surgery, there can be infection and bleeding. These usually happen immediately following surgery and are caught quickly. More specific risks with gastric bands are slippage, blockages, bloating or acid reflux. Slippage and blockages require surgery to correct.
Bloating and acid reflux are usually a result of an inappropriate diet.
The band itself can also disintegrate, loosen or deflate. Your physician will want to see you regularly to determine the success of your band procedure, and also to make sure everything is functioning properly. Most of the risks are not life-threatening, but there can be fatal results from any of the above risks if not attended to properly.
So is it the right decision for you?
I know how hard it can be to make such a huge and possibly life altering decision, and before committing one way or another you really should make yourself as informed as possible.
As someone who has had band procedure surgery myself, all I can tell you is that I found it totally worth it - but it really helped having peace of mind by knowing exactly what I was in for and what the risks were.
So don't give up on living a long, healthy, happy, fit life with a slimmer, sexier you. So learn more about Lapband surgery and even sleeve surgery by clicking the link.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimbob_Batchelor
Types of Band Procedures Used for Weight Loss Surgery
Most people automatically call all gastric bands by the brand name: LAP-band. However, there are three types often used in band procedures: LAP-band, the Swedish Band and the Midband. The differences between the styles of bands amounts to the level of "balloon" that is a padding to cushion the walls of the abdomen from the restrictive band, and the amount of adjustability. The Swedish Band (actually manufactured in Switzerland not Sweden) is the most adjustable of all the bands, and used in surgeries known as AGB, or adjustable gastric banding. AGB is a more gradual method than the other forms of gastric bands as there is less initial restriction so that dieter's can gradually get used to eating a lower calorie diet, and the band is then restricted at various stages until it is at the maximum level.
Other gastric bands start out at the maximum level right off the bat. Those types of gastric bands have the fastest weight loss, but some argue the long-term success is less effective because dieters really do not learn how to properly adjust their eating over time and develop a healthier lifestyle. Instead they crash into the diet, and end up cheating, eating more and more until the effect of the band is negated because the upper portion of the stomach remaining over the band expands to accommodate more food. It is important to note that even these less adjustable gastric bands can still be adjusted to some degree in order to create the best level of restriction for each patient, and when necessary alleviate side-effects from gastric band surgery.
The Bottom Line in Band Effectiveness
No matter which of the possible bands you and your surgeon choose, if you do not follow the prescribed diet and exercise plan, they are not going to be very effective, or lasting. Your post-op visits will include time with a nutritionist to help you learn a new way of eating, as well as daily prescription vitamins and minerals to compensate for eating less food.
Safety of Band Procedures
Gastric bands are among the safest of all weight loss surgeries. However, there are still possible problems that can accompany the procedure. As with any abdominal surgery, there can be infection and bleeding. These usually happen immediately following surgery and are caught quickly. More specific risks with gastric bands are slippage, blockages, bloating or acid reflux. Slippage and blockages require surgery to correct.
Bloating and acid reflux are usually a result of an inappropriate diet.
The band itself can also disintegrate, loosen or deflate. Your physician will want to see you regularly to determine the success of your band procedure, and also to make sure everything is functioning properly. Most of the risks are not life-threatening, but there can be fatal results from any of the above risks if not attended to properly.
So is it the right decision for you?
I know how hard it can be to make such a huge and possibly life altering decision, and before committing one way or another you really should make yourself as informed as possible.
As someone who has had band procedure surgery myself, all I can tell you is that I found it totally worth it - but it really helped having peace of mind by knowing exactly what I was in for and what the risks were.
So don't give up on living a long, healthy, happy, fit life with a slimmer, sexier you. So learn more about Lapband surgery and even sleeve surgery by clicking the link.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimbob_Batchelor
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