Obesity has created a serious public health concern in the United States. Excess body weight increases a person's risk of health problems from over 30 serious medical conditions, including diabetes and hypertension. Approximately $100 billion is spent each year to treat the health problems of American adults who are suffering from obesity-related medical conditions. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is an effective method of treating morbid obesity when other treatments have failed to produce the desired results. By reducing the functional portion of the stomach to a pouch that is one ounce or less in size and creating a small opening between the stomach and intestine to delay stomach emptying, gastric bypass helps patients lose up to 90 percent of their excess body weight. After this type of stomach surgery for weight loss, patients with obesity-related medical conditions often see a dramatic improvement in their physical health.
While gastric bypass receives more media attention as method of weight control, the LAP BAND procedure provides several advantages. This type of stomach surgery for weight loss involves no stomach stapling or cutting. The LAP BAND procedure requires a shorter hospital stay and has the lowest operative complication rate. The LAP BAND procedure may also be a good choice for women who wish to become pregnant, since the band can be adjusted to accommodate the increased nutritional needs of pregnancy.
If you are considering stomach surgery for weight loss, you should conduct thorough research before making your final decision. Online resources published by doctors and medical institutions can help you develop a better understanding of the LAP BAND procedure and gastric bypass surgery. Your doctor can also evaluate your medical history to determine if you would be a good candidate for this method of weight loss.
