The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is a relatively young weight loss procedure in the United States, having been approved by the FDA less than 10 years ago. The band resembles a shower curtain ring that has an inflatable inner ring that can be inflated or deflated with the addition or withdrawal of saline. Lap band surgery advantages are numerous. We will take a look at a few of them in this article.
In gastric banding, the stomach and intestine does not have to be cut or re-routed in any way. This allows the band to be removed in the future, if desired or if necessary, without doing any damage to the stomach or digestive system itself. Because there is no cutting of the stomach or intestine, banding does not create any malabsorption problems, as in other types of weight loss surgery.
Lap band surgery takes much less time, averaging about one hour. The risks associated with anesthesia are decreased because of the shorter surgery time. Banding has fewer complications during and after surgery when compared to other popular forms of bariatric surgery.
Recovery time is also less. Some people are able to return to work within two or three days post-band surgery. Compare this to the weeks needed to recover from bypass surgery.
Unlike other popular bariatric procedures, the lap band gives the body time to adjust to the weight loss because it happens at a slower rate. Lap band patients have less skin sagging when they reach their goal weights because of the slower pace of weight loss.
Adjustable gastric banding is an excellent alternative for people who want a less invasive type of weight loss surgery. We have touched on just a few of lap band surgery advantages in this article. Talking to people who have experienced the benefits of the surgery is a good idea when deciding if the lap band is for you.
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