Morbid obesity prevents many people from living life to the fullest. If you haven't been able to shed those extra pounds with Atkins, South Beach, or any of today's other popular diet plans, the LAP BAND System may be able to help you reach your weight loss goals. By creating a smaller gastric pouch, this type of bariatric surgery limits the amount of food your stomach will hold at any time. Is Gastric Banding Right for Me?
If you're concerned about the invasiveness of gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding surgery may be a better procedure for your weight loss needs. Gastric banding surgery involves no stomach stapling or cutting. No intestinal re-routing is necessary in the LAP BAND System. The procedure also has a lower mortality rate and fewer operative complications than gastric bypass surgery.
If you're a woman who plans to become pregnant in the near future, gastric banding may be the best choice for you. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, this procedure is fully reversible. Women who have had gastric banding surgery can have their stomach outlet size opened to accommodate the increased nutritional needs of pregnancy.
This surgery can help morbidly obese patients achieve significant weight loss by limiting how much they can eat, slowing digestion, and reducing their appetite. However, gastric banding surgery is not a magic prescription for weight loss. If you are considering this procedure, you must be willing to make the changes in your lifestyle that will allow you to reach a healthy body weight.
