Many people confuse the lap band surgery with other bariatric surgeries. The main cause behind this is that the lap band procedure is often referred to as “gastric banding”, which it is. The procedure is also known by it’s official name; laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery. The lap band is even now being referred to as the ‘slim band’, as different lap band providers battle over the trademarks and marketing slogans they are able to legally use.
At the end of the day, the lap band surgery falls under a bariatric surgery, but it should not be confused with other bariatric surgeries which are much more dangerous when compared to the lap band surgery. Below are some of the most important benefits of the lap band surgery when compared to other bariatric surgeries.
Lower Mortality Rate: Much lower with the lap band surgery. On average, only 1 in 2000 deaths when compared to 1 in 200 for the gastric bypass surgery.
Fully-reversible Procedure: That’s right. The entire lap band surgery is completely reversible since there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach like there is with other malabsorptive weight loss surgeries like Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) and Duodenal Switch (DS). As a result, once the band is removed the stomach returns to the same state it was in before the surgery ever occured.
Fast Recovery: The lap band surgery is really a breeze. It only takes about 45 minutes to an hour and then you have your follow up assessments and injections. Remember that the band is adjustable so there is no need for additional surgery once the band has been placed around the stomach. The hospital stay is very short, ranging from a few hours to a couple of days, and most people fully recover within 6-8 weeks.
No Malabsorption Issues: After the lap band surgery, there is no need for calcium supplements and vitamin B12 injections like there is with RNY (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery). Also, there are no chances of gastric dumping since no intestines were removed or re-routed.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Weight loss surgery continues to be a valuable solution for treating obesity, and may reduce several health complications associated with being overweight. After gastric bypass, most preferred weight loss surgery is the Lap band, which is the advanced gastric banding process that helps people to lose weight gradually. This process reduces the amount of food that the stomach can hold at one time. Lap band process supports long-term sustainable weight loss.
Learn more about bariatric procedures in our information guide, or consult with a bariatric surgeon in your area to find out if you qualify for the surgery. Visit the link to read more click here to read more on Bariatric surgery
November 8th, 2008 at 2:46 am
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February 25th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Interesting post. The LAP BAND is becoming more popular today because it has many added advantages like it is fully reversible device for weight loss that avoids the dangers and complications that can occur with more invasive gastric bypass surgery. It requires only a few small incisions and down time will be shorter for this reason. Being an adjustable device, the LAP BAND can meet a wider range of weight loss goals. For more information visit here LAP BAND Surgery Texas
April 7th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Thanks Ginna for the the nice insightful comment and for some additional information on Texas lap band clinics.