Lap Band Surgery: Benefits, Risks, and Complications Involved

Obesity, morbid obesity and overweight are some of the serious health issues that adversely affect the lifespan and quality of life of people all around the world. Owing to the change in lifestyle, the environment and eating habits people these days prefer a sedentary life which is one of the main reason behind obesity.
According to a survey done by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in between 2011-2012 around 34.9 % of adults were obese or overweight, which included more than 78 million adults in America obese.
In both children and adults, obesity can cause health problems. Specifically, in adults obesity can be a leading cause of heart disease, diabetes type 2, hypertension, and many other chronic conditions.
Due to the prevalence of obesity among people, many people are looking for various methods that can help them in getting rid of the extra weight, which is impossible to lose through diet and exercise.
Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery can be an option for people who are struggling to lose weight, especially when they have tried almost everything like behavioral alterations, pharmacotherapy, pre-packed food etc. But nothing has really worked for them. However, not everyone is the right choice for lap band surgery. People need to have a BMI (Body Mass Index) higher than 35 or 40, in order to be eligible for the lap band surgery. The lap band surgery risks include infection, band slippage, stomach outlet blockage etc. which we are going to discuss in detail. 

In lap band surgery an adjustable silicone band is positioned on the topmost part of the stomach through a laparoscopic surgery, which indeed restricts the intake of the food. During the procedure, a small device called port is put underneath the skin of the abdomen. The port is connected with the lap band by tubing, whereby the surgeon can regulate the tightness of the band from time to time. This is completed by injecting some saline water into the port. It is possible that the lap band may be tuned many times during the first six months following the surgery to assist maximum results in weight loss.

Typically, the lap band surgery will be preceded using a laparoscopic approach. The laparoscopic procedure is typically a less invasive procedure as compared to incision surgery. This is because the process is performed using the camera and instruments through a number of incisions in the abdomen. Depending on the type of procedure the stay in the hospital may vary from patient to patient which is usually 2-3 days.

The lap band limits the total quantity of food your stomach can hold, this way your stomach feels full even after eating less quantity of food. However, if you want this process to be successful you will have to stay motivated and make some changes in behaviour and eating habits. The patients are advised to eat three meals that are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates and avoid snacking in between. You must remember that eating really quickly or too much may cause vomiting. You shall avoid taking fluids with food as it empties your stomach soon. Beverages like fruit juices, smoothies, shakes, no-diet sodas, shall be avoided as they will impede weight loss. At the same time, you must avoid high-calorie snacks too like ice creams, chocolates, candies etc.

There are a number of benefits that you can achieve from lap band surgery. The major benefit of the surgery is that it results in about 50 to 60% weight loss during the first year of the surgery.
However, in the second year, the weight loss will be a little slow and a point will come where it will get to a stable level because your body’s metabolism gets used to the reduced calorie intake. However, if your aim is to lose more weight then you will have to make slight diet-related changes and will have to invest some time in exercising. This way you will increase the amount of activity ultimately increasing your metabolism.
Lap band surgery is the best choice if you are struggling with overweight and have tried every possible means to reduce your stubborn weight. The procedure is safe and the best possible choice for people who cannot go through gastric bypass due to some reason. It is also less invasive than other weight loss surgeries. Moreover, the recovery time in lap band surgery is quicker.

The overall benefits of the procedure include:

•   It is a reversible procedure.
•   The total percentage of weight loss in consecutive first and second year is around 50 to 60%. Most of the weight loss occurs during the first 9 to 12 months.
•   You do not need to take daily nutritional supplements after the procedure.
•   Lower risk compared to other weight loss surgeries.
•   Improves weight-related problems like sleep apnea, stroke, heart problems, Type 2 diabetes, and also boosts confidence.
•   You do not need to append spend days in the hospital post surgery and recovery time is quick.

The entire procedure is proven to be safe, however, there are certain risks that are related to the lap band surgery, and as a result of few complications, that may also occur. The percentages of patients who suffer from side effects associated with lap band surgery vary which is around 26% as per a survey conducted in 2007. The side effects include:
·        Band related problems
·        Bowel function changes
·        Blood clots
·        Food trapping
·        Esophageal dilation
·        GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease)
·        A hiatal hernia
·        Dyspepsia
·        Nausea
·        Vomiting
·        Food intolerance
·        Pouch dilation
·        Pneumonia
·        Port problems
Lap band surgery is considered safe and the results it provides for weight loss can effectively improve the quality of life and also provide health benefits. You can minimise the chances of risks by choosing a certified and experienced bariatric surgeon and following the advice given by the surgeon pre and post the surgery.