Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is an alternative to other, more invasive, types of weight loss surgery. The lap band resembles a shower curtain ring with a small inflatable lining. The band is inserted around the top of the stomach. The tightness can be adjusted by injecting or removing saline from the lining via the port installed in the abdomen. Lap band surgery advantages are extensive when compared with other weight loss surgery options.
One very extreme advantage of the lap band over other types of bariatric surgery is the fact that banding does not require cutting and re-routing of the digestive system. The band can be removed, if necessary, with no damage to the stomach. In addition, because there is no cutting and re-routing, there is no problem with malabsorption of nutrients with lap band 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.
Gastric banding has a much shorter recovery time. Often, individuals are able to go back to work (with lifting restrictions) in less than a week following surgery.
With an adjustable gastric band weight loss is considerably slower compared to gastric bypass weight loss speed. The slower weight loss permits the skin to adjust to the weight loss. This results in less sagging skin when all of the weight is lost.
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.
