LAP-BAND® Blog

One of the most commonly featured news and science topics that is discussed and debated is the growing epidemic of obesity in America. The prevalence of morbid obesity has grown substantially over recent years, affecting as much as 8% of the population [1]. This translates into almost 1 in 10 Americans that are morbidly obese, which is higher than it has ever been. Morbid obesity, or Class 3 obesity, is linked with premature death, diabetes, and heart disease to mention but a few risks. Furthermore, Class 3 obesity, a life-threatening medical condition that is sweeping through America at alarming rates, affects both social functioning and quality of life in general [2].

However, on the converse side of this, there are clear and distinct correlations between weight loss and a decrease of the negative effects and impact of obesity. This, coupled with the dramatic epidemic of obesity, has caused an increase in attempts to combat obesity. Dietary alterations as well as exercise programs in addition to medications and drug therapies have proven effective in the short-term but not in the long-term [3]. To see the significant medical resolutions to disease, the weight loss must be long term. This is what has led many to consider surgery as an alternative and long-term solution to obesity. The two most popular types of bariatric surgery are gastric bypass and gastric banding.

Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure on the upper gastrointestinal tract that results in significant weight loss. In order to qualify for any bariatric procedure, according to the guidelines set forth by the National Institutes on Health, a patient must have a BMI of higher than 40 kg/m2. A patient may also qualify if he or she has a BMI of greater than 35 kg/m2 in addition to serious medical comorbidities that are a result of obesity.

Weight Loss

Jeffrey Tice and colleagues from the department of General Internal Medicine at the University of California in San Francisco completed a study where they reviewed retrospectively a number of patients who had undergone either gastric banding or gastric bypass between 1966 and 2007 [4]. This study is the culmination of several studies examining the successes, similarities and differences between the two bariatric surgeries. The participants in the reviewed studies were on average 40 years old and had a beginning BMI of 45 m/kg2. Twenty percent of the participants were males, and 80% were females.

The results of this examination demonstrated that weight loss outcomes were more favorable with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery than with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. There was, in fact, a clinically significant difference of 25% greater weight loss with the Roux-en-Y procedure. As Dr Tice, author of the study, explains, this means that for every 4 obese people who choose to be treated with gastric bypass rather than gastric banding, 1 additional patient will be cured of the disease. Other investigators have reported even greater weight loss differences between the two procedures. One study by Bowne et al showed that 100% of patients with type 2 diabetes were cured after Roux-en-Y surgery as opposed to only 49% of gastric banding patients [5].

Complications

The short-term complication rates favor laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Procedure length averages just over one hour and hospitalization stay after gastric banding is approximately two days shorter than gastric bypass. And while mortality rates are low for both procedures, they are lower for gastric banding. Rates of complications such as bleeding, perforation, etc were also low for both procedures.

However, the long-term complication rates favor gastric bypass. In other words, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is associated with more long-term complications than gastric bypass. Moreover, a higher number of gastric banding patients undergo re-operation than do Roux-en-Y patients.

Patient Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction is a subjective way to measure a surgery’s success. This is because one individual’s definition of successful surgery may differ from another’s. However, 80% of Roux-en-Y patients report being very satisfied with the surgery and the results compared to only 46% of patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Of the 20% of Roux-en-Y patients who were not extremely satisfied, none of them said they were not satisfied. The Bowne et al study also demonstrated that almost 20% of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding patients were, for one reason or another, very dissatisfied with the surgery, some even regretting having had the procedure.

There is no doubt that the obvious benefit of both surgeries is weight loss. However, Roux-en-Y surgery has demonstrated greater long-term benefits in terms of weight loss and weight maintenance than gastric banding. Fifty-one percent of patients having Roux-en-Y surgery had maintained weight loss one year after surgery versus only 35% of patients undergoing gastric bypass [6]. Furthermore only 1 in 24 (4%) Roux-en-Y patients failed to lose any weight at all after the procedure versus the 9 in 26 (35%) of gastric banding patients who lost no weight after the procedure. Need or desire for reoperation was 12% with the Roux-en-Y patients comparing to 15% with the gastric banding patients.

Conclusion

Surgery as a means of weight loss for severely obese patients is a very serious consideration. A weight loss surgery comparison chart can help those who are considering weight loss surgery understand the basic differences between the various procedures performed today. There are potential medical complications and risks as with any surgery. However, many Americans suffering from obesity today simply have no real medical alternative for weight loss that is effective. Currently, both laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are the most popular choices for bariatric surgery taking several factors into account. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass still is more popular than gastric banding and is considered the standard bariatric procedure for the above reasons [7]. Perhaps the most significant advantage is the greater weight loss.

One year after the procedure (up to five years) resulting weight loss is higher with gastric bypass. While it is difficult to assess clearly which procedure is the best one, as both are effective, it has been predominantly determined that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is often a better choice for bariatric surgery candidates. Dr Tice concludes that until trials and studies are done to show that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is as effective, it is likely that Roux-en-Y will continue to be the bariatric standard for Americans.

References

1. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Curtin LR, McDowell MA, Tabak CJ, Flegel KM. Prevalence and trends in obesity among US adults, 1999-2000. JAMA. 2002; 288:1723-1727.
2. Fine JT, Colditz GA, Coakley EH, et al. A prospective study of weight change and health-related quality of life in women. JAMA. 1999;282: 2136-2142.
3. Bennett W. Dietary treatments of obesity. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1987; 499:250-263.
4. Tice, JA MD, Karliner, L, Walsh, J, Petersen, AJ, Feldman, MD. Gastric Banding or Bypass? A Systematic Review Comparing the Two Most Popular Bariatric Procedures. 2008. The American Journal of Medicine. 2008; 121, 885-893.
5. Bowne WB, Julliard K, Castro AE, et al. Laparoscopic gastric bypass is superior to adjustable gastric band in super morbidly obese patients: a prospective, comparative analysis. Arch Surg. 2006;141:683-689.
6. Angrisani L, Lorenzo M, Borrelli V. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 5-year results of a prospective randomized trial. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2007;3:127-133.
7. Buchwald H, Williams SE. Bariatric surgery worldwide 2003. Obes Surg. 2004;14:1157-1164.

About the author

Working as a biochemist at Washington University, Matt Papa, PhD has worked extensively to present medical, clinical, and research findings related to obesity and cardiovascular disease. In his website he posts the latest findings in obesity research and offers a Medifast coupon discount.

Many of you have been looking into surgeries to help improve yourself regarding your obesity, and there are two that you might not be able to tell the difference between. These surgeries are the Lap Band Surgery, and the Gastric Sleeve surgery. We will first go over the basic definitions of both these surgeries and the basic underlying principles of each surgery. After that we will explain some of the differences between them.

The Lap Band Surgery is available for people who are one hundred pounds overweight or even more, therefore considered to be obese. This surgery is for those who really need to have it done, not just for people trying to lose a few pounds; it’s a last call option for those that have struggled with obesity for years. The Lap Band system is a powerful weight loss tool that helps you on your journey to lose that extra weight. Although the Lap Band system is simple it is also a very advanced gastric binding system. This system works by reducing the amount of food that you can take in at one time, controlling the amount of the food that you can take digest in one meal; so basically you feel full with a smaller amount of caloric intake.

The Lap Band system is an adjustable Gastric Binding System. The name Lap Band comes from the fact that the procedure is a minimal invasive surgery. The technique of this surgery is called laparoscopy, and the silicone device that is placed around the upper part of your stomach called the gastric band.

Now we will learn a little bit more about the Gastric Sleeve.

The Gastric Sleeve is a more invasive surgery then the Lap Band system is, as it basically removes around 2/3 of the stomach. The Gastric Sleeve Surgery is more of a brand new type of surgery in Bariatric Surgery. This surgery is for people who are also severly over weight but it is a more extreme type of bariatric surgery as it is not reversible once done. However, this surgery is also for the people that cannot have the lap band surgery done on them.

During the Bariatric Surgery they remove up to sixty percent of your stomach. That way there is no reason for you to say you have been over eating. Since you stomach will be so much smaller then the normal stomach there is no reason for your weight gain, other then being lazy and not exercising.

With the Bariatric surgery you will have a smaller stomach, which will basically cut your caloric intake by half if not more. Now you should not eat more times during the day, but only during the appropriate meal times.

Both of these systems have its up and it downs, but the overall effect of the surgeries is what you should be focused on. Not only will you lost weight and to begin to feel like you will have the sense of getting your old body back. You will also begin to have a better diet, as you will start eating better because now you have a reason. If you spent the money on one of these surgeries then you should take the full advantage of the service, and do your best to lose weight. Plus many bariatric clinics offer post surgery support to help you achieve your weight loss dreams once and for all!

The differences between the Lap Band and the Gastric Sleeve are huge. In the Lap Band you have a band around the upper part of your stomach which can be adjusted to the size that you need for the moment, and not make such a drastic cut off of weight all at once. The Gastric Sleeve actually removes up to sixty percent of your stomach. That is a big difference if you are unsure if you really want to make that leap as opposed to more gradual weight loss.

Now we have learned a little bit more about these two types of bariatric surgeries and why they are different from each other, but in the end they both should accomplish the same goal; permanent weight loss.

Lap band surgery is a medical technique which helps the obese people reduce their weight. It is always said that lap band surgery should be the last option for reducing weight after one has tried all other available means. It is done laparoscopically and does not require any large cuts on the stomach. A belt or band is inserted through a hole on the uppermost side of the belly, which is tightened later after insertion. As soon as it gets tightened, it divides the stomach into two parts. The upper part of the stomach takes the shape of a relatively small pouch and while eating food it is filled with small amounts of food and therefore the mind gets a signal to stop eating. Consequently, the obese person feels less hungry and eats less amount of food which helps him or her reduce their weight. To get this surgery done the body mass index should be 40 to 60 and the age criterion is to be above 18 years.

Lap band surgery is not unaffordable in terms of expenses, but still the cost varies from country to country. Most of the insurance companies cover Lap band surgery under their medi-claim criteria and cover the cost of it, still it is advisable that once you decide to go for a lap band surgery you much consult your life insurance company and read the policy related to reimbursement extremely carefully.

The estimated cost of these surgeries in USA range between $15,500 to $30,500 which includes pre operation consultation, hospital charges and post operation medical care and consultation including medical tests, psychological consultation and a regular check and counseling on your food intake and diet. The cost of the same surgery in Mexico is approximately between $8,200 and $10,500 and in European countries; the estimated cost is between $10,800 and $15,400 depending upon the type of hospital one is enrolling. In Canada, the cost of a Lap band surgery ranges between $18,200 and $26,700. Lap band surgery is also done at reasonable prices in countries like India, Brazil and Mexico where the cost is relatively less then European countries.

It is always advisable to ask your doctor to quote the expenses before you finalize one. Countries like Canada can be cheaper in terms of transportation cost if they are closer to you geographically or in Mexico where the travel cost is relatively less in comparison to European countries. These countries have good medical facilities and they perform many of the lap band surgeries. Especially in Canada which provides free health benefits for which a person might be eligible. If the person is insured, then the USA can also be a very good option for such surgery. But if one is not insured and he/she has to bear all the expenses on his/her own then it is always advisable to explore various options available across the globe depending upon your budget.

It is also in the news that USA the cost of the lap band surgery in the USA has decreased because of the increasing number of surgeons practicing weight loss surgeries which has led to more competition and caused the rates to come down and be within reach of everyone. It is also necessary to bring down the cost of this procedure, because obesity and related health problems associated with it are spreading like a pandemic. The fast-food generation has grown older over the years and people of all ages are suffering because of their addiction for oily and greasy food. In this situation, it becomes impertinent to make such procedures affordable so that the maximum number of people around the world have access to the lap band surgery.

There are times in the lives of people suffering from obesity when they they are fed up and just want to desperately get rid of it. This is because of not only the problem and inconveniences which they have in their daily lives, but because of the severe health problems that can be caused due to the imbalance in their bodies. Health problems like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea or even heart disorders can be caused by obesity and can make life very difficult. As the patient is already suffering, it becomes vey hard for them to reduce their weight the hard way by going to the gym or dieting.

But technology has introduced solutions which people can use in such situations to change their lives. Two of such solutions are the Lap Band surgery and the slim band surgery. Though very similar in the basic concept, these two are markedly different from each other. Let’s have a look at both of them to see just how different they are.

Lap band is, a gastric binding system, the motive of which is to insert a highly advanced but simple instrument in the patients body, which reduces the size of the stomach, so that it can hold lesser amounts of food at one time. By having a lesser amount of food intake – this results in causing the stomach to hold less food but still enable you to fell full.  Developed after tedious research and development by a company named Allergen, the lap band is a silicone band which is placed around the upper part of the stomach by a form of surgery called Laparoscopy. This band, by reducing the size of the stomach helps the patient in controlling his food intake and thus can help in achieving weight loss which is not only healthy but also sustainable.

The latest version of the lap band is not only adjustable but is also approved by the FDA. These are designed and introduced in the market after extensive testing and thus are guaranteed to be devoid of ay side effects while in prescribed and monitored use. To make the lap band more comfortable, it is manufactured with soft material and is in the form of small sections instead of a uniform ring. These small sections make it flexible, avoiding damage to the internal organs. As these are made of inflatable material, the company insures that all the bands are uniform all over to enable complete covered. Also, due to the high flexibility of the ring, surgeons find it easier to place it, making the surgery safer.

Slim band, is more of a slimming program than a health care procedure. The program can last for up to 4 years and is targeted at people who are looking to reduce their weight without taking the pains of going to gym or dieting. This program is inclusive of the guidance that is provided to the patients by experts like nutritionists, psychiatrists etc. Also, nursing care is provided to patients during the entire duration of the program.

The major portions of the weight loss programs of this company are conducted at their facility in Toronto. But as the patients may be based in other parts of US and of Canada, they provide their service through their various centers. The care and assistance that is provided through out the duration of the program, is charged for at the very start. For instance, if a patient wants to adjust the position of the band for some reason, he may simple go to the assistance centre and get the nurse to do it for him. The process is quite simple and the patient does not have to pay anything for it.

Overall, Lap band and Slim band are very similar is their procedures and motives. But they differ in the core technology used by both of them and the target customers, but at the end of the day both are solutions to help people end their battle with obesity.

Lap Band Surgery for weight loss consists of inserting a silicone band into the stomach which creates a gastric pouch. An access port is affixed to the gastric band with an inflatable balloon which is then filled with saline solution.  The adjustable pouch is filled with saline to reduce the size of the stomach. The reduced stomach size causes one to feel full so they eat less. The result is less food intake which causes extensive weight loss. The surgery only takes about forty minutes. This method of weight loss surgery has many benefits over other weight loss surgeries. Of all the weight loss surgeries, lap band surgery is normally chosen by those with severe obesity.

Lab band surgery is the least invasive of the weight loss surgeries. There is minimal scarring as very tiny incisions are made into the abdomen. This method of weight loss surgery results in very little pain which shortens recovery time. The patient will spend only a few hours in recovery, and then return home. It is also the only reversible weight loss surgery available.

With lap band surgery, there are less health risks, side effects, and the mortality rate is very low when compared to other methods of weight loss surgeries. As well, lap band surgery has fewer problems such as that of gastric bypass surgeries where there are often nutritional deficiencies.

Another benefit of lap band surgery is that repeated surgeries are not needed to fix any problems. All that a surgeon has to do is withdraw saline or inject saline into the pouch to adjust food intake.  As well, the lap band can be removed at any time and the stomach is restored to its original condition.

Lap band surgery has shown significant improvements in such health conditions as diabetes and high blood pressure, allowing one to improve their health. This method of weight loss has been proven to be an effective long term weight loss solution.

Obesity is a widespread health problem affecting men and women across the country. The health impact is enormous with an ever increasing rise in heart disease, diabetes, lung illnesses, circulatory problems, and much more. Diet pills and thousands of weight loss programs have proven to be not very effective. For the obese, lap band surgery is a great solution to a serious health problem.

Obesity has become an epidemic in our society. The health impact is very serious with illnesses resulting from being overweight such as diabetes, heart problems, breathing troubles, circulation problems, and much more. This has led to a rise in weight loss programs and pills. Many of these diet aids have not been successful. Fortunately, there is one weight loss method that is having positive results. Today, weight loss surgeries are gaining more acknowledgment as an effective method of losing weight.

If you have been observing your weight increasing and decreasing on a regular basis, you may want to consider weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery has helped many people lose weight, transform their appearance for the better, and improve their overall health and well being. Weight loss surgery such as lap-band surgery and gastric bypass surgery can be well worth considering.  However, there are preconditions to becoming a candidate for weight loss surgery. One must consider the following

1. One must meet a certain weight qualification. Most surgeons require that women be at least 80 pounds overweight before they will consider doing surgery for them. Men should usually be 100 pounds or more overweight. The body mass index (BMI) should be 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 with other weight related issues such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension. If you fall into this weight category, you may be a potential candidate

2. If you have serious health problems, you may not qualify for the surgery. This can include chronic heart or breathing illnesses.

3. If your obesity is threatening your health or even your life, you may be considered for weight-loss surgery. Such health risks include the risk of heart disease, strokes, cancer, respiratory disease, and liver disease.

You should discuss all options with your doctor and make it clear why you are considering weight loss surgery as an alternative to dieting and exercise. After weight-loss surgery, you will have to follow a sensibly balanced diet and healthy lifestyle in order to keep the weight from returning.

Medical reasons to consider weight loss surgery include: reversal of Type 2 Diabetes, improved fertility, improved or eliminated Hypertension, and living longer. Studies demonstrate that the lifespan of a person can be reduced by up to 20 years with morbid obesity.

Gastric bypass surgery and lap-band surgery are the two most popular weight-loss surgeries. Gastric bypass surgery involves having your stomach stapled. Lap-band surgery involves inserting an adjustable or removable band. With lap-band surgery or gastric bypass surgery, your doctor will ask that you start an exercise program and to begin eating healthy foods. If you don’t, then you will gain back the weight.

Not only will you be healthier when you lose the weight, you can enjoy activities you may have avoided for years such as going to the beach, swimming, walking, and much more. Again, weight loss surgery is not for everyone.

Unfortunately, the rate of obesity is steadily growing. One has to remember that weight loss surgery is a major life altering medical procedure. It is a serious decision that should be discussed with your doctor, family, and other important loved ones.

Obesity has become a serious health problem for millions of people. An unhealthy weight gain does not happen overnight. Causes of obesity can include a poor diet, genetic factors, and a lack of exercise. The consequences of long term obesity can include heart disease, depression, diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, liver disease, and much more. One method of achieving weight loss is Lap Band Surgery. This surgical method of losing weight has become a popular choice for the treatment of obesity.

Lap Band Surgery

Also known as lap band or adjustable gastric banding, Laparoscopic BAND is a medical procedure designed to remove excess weight.  An access port is attached to the gastric band with an inflatable balloon. The balloon is filled with saline solution. The access port is placed just under the skin. Using the port, doctors can adjust the amount of saline solution being delivered in the balloon. The amount of saline injected into the balloon depends on how much weight one is planning on losing. The saline can be withdrawn to modify food intake.  The lap band is attached around the top section of the stomach, forming a smaller “gastric pouch.” The pouch holds less food so the patient will eat less. The patient will feel full with smaller quantities of food. The purpose of the band is to help people lose weight while teaching them to eat in healthy and in moderation. It is also the only reversible weight loss surgery. Scarring is very minimal and recovery time is short. The entire procedure takes about forty minutes.

After a lap band surgery, a patient will spend a few hours in recovery, and then go home. Patients are provided with a home health care program that will teach them how to eat nutritious foods in small amounts. Patients will see their doctor for check ups on an out patient basis. Lap band is an effective and mildly-invasive weigh loss tool.

Port Replacement Surgery

Port Replacement Surgery is performed on a patient if there is a problem with the port after the lap band surgery. Indications of a port problem can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lack of appetite, diarrhea, gastro reflux, abdominal pain, infection, chest pain, incision infection, and blood clots. Some complications with the port can include port leakage, a crack in the tubing, problems with the tube connection from the port to the band, port displacement, infection of the fluid within the band port, and port breakage.

When there is a problem with the port, doctors will often have to replace the port. This is known as port replacement surgery. It is usually done under local anaesthetic. Port replacement surgery is a safe procedure and recovery time is fast

Because obesity has become an epidemic in society, there have been many medical innovations to help patients live longer and healthier lives. Lap band surgery is an effective and safe treatment to help patients reach their ideal weight. Before undergoing any weight loss procedure, it is important to consult with a doctor to discuss all of the weight loss options. Lap band surgery is one method of weight loss that allows obese individuals to lose the excess weight and keep it off.

For those who have a persistent weight problem that hasn`t been responsive to diet or exercise, lap band surgery is a good option to lose that extra weight quickly. It is, however, an invasive surgery, so some recovery time is to be expected.

How Long Will Your Recovery Take?

Everyone wants to know how long they should plan for recovery from this type of surgery. Each person is different, but in general, you can expect to be out of commission for four to eight days.

Some people find that they recover in record time, but others will need a full two weeks to recover. You can use past experience as a guide. Have you required longer recovery times for previous surgeries or hospital stays, such as giving birth? If so, then plan for a longer period of time to be sure that you won`t be forced to go back to work while still feeling off.

The Importance of Time Off

Technically, you could probably be back at work the day after surgery, but this is a bad idea for a number of reasons. First of all, even if you feel pretty good, your incision needs to heal. Having surgery of any kind is traumatic for the body, and it is important to recognize this and take it easy for a bit to allow yourself to recuperate.

Another consideration is your energy level. After the procedure, you`ll be limited to clear liquids for at least a couple of days, which is great for your body, but can make you feel pretty weak. Even if you`re not in pain, you will likely find that you are too weak to work or do much during those first few days.

If you do start doing too much too soon, you`ll quickly find out. Pain at the incision site and generally not feeling good are signs that you should probably just sit down and rest. While an exercise routine is very important to the success of the lap band procedure and will help you lose weight faster, you should not start hiking right after the surgery; you`ll need to wait at least a couple of weeks before engaging in any real exercise. Talk to your doctor about a good time to start.

Tips for Faster Recovery

If you want your recovery to go as quickly as possible, follow these suggestions:

-    Stick to the doctor`s rules. Don`t cheat while you`re supposed to be on clear liquids or you could have complications.
-    Make sure that any issues are checked immediately. While complications are rare, they do happen, but they can be treated immediately.
-    Don`t drive. This can put strain on your body and for the first few days, at least, so it`s not a good idea.

Taking care of yourself is important. After all, you had the surgery to become healthier, so take the extra time to recuperate and make sure you start your new health regimen on the right foot. A couple of weeks off from work won`t make a big difference in the long run, but for your body it will be well worth it!