subject: Weight Loss Surgery - Lap-band Can Resolve Diabetes & Hypertension [print this page] The Lap-Band is a safe and effective method of weight loss surgery, intended to help those patients who have between 50 and 100 pounds to lose. The Lap-Band limits food intake, and paired with healthy lifestyle changes, allows patients to stop struggling with their weight issues.
Lap-Band surgery that is performed laparoscopically allows patients to spend less than 24 hours in the hospital, typically. Patients can expect to return to work within a week, and can resume exercise within a month to six weeks. If there are surgical complications, recovery may take a little longer.
How Much Weight Will I Lose?
People often ask how much weight they will lose with the Lap-Band. Weight loss results vary from patient to patient, and is dependent on several factors. The Lap-Band must be in the correct position, and the patient must be committed to making lifestyle changes, and improving eating habits. Weight loss can be as much as 2 to 3 pounds per week, but the average is about a pound a week. About 18 months after Lap-Band surgery patients can expect their weight loss
to taper.
Remember, the goal of the Lap-Band is not to experience dramatic weight loss quickly, as there are several health risks associated with rapid weight loss. The biggest benefit to the Lap-Band may be the resolution of health problems like diabetes and hypertension that often develop due to obesity.
Lap-Band Myths
The internet is a great place to get information, but it can also be a place where there are a lot of myths propagated. The Lap-band is no exception.
Here are a few of my favorites:
(a) You cannot drink coffee with the band.
False. You can drink coffee or tea with the band. We don't want you to drink a lot of liquid calories, so avoid those high calorie Starbuck's drinks. In our recovery room, we give our patients either tea or coffee.
(b) The band should be tight enough to prevent you from eating too much food.
False. The Lap-Band band does not work by "restriction," it works by "suppression" of appetite. Food goes through the band in about a minute, so you can eat as much as you ate before. Your job is to limit what you eat, and the Lap-Band makes it so you won't be hungry before the next meal.
(c) The Lap-Band causes reflux and heartburn.
False. The band is a barrier against reflux, heartburn, and night cough. If you develop any of those, then you have too tight a band, or have developed a band slip. Anytime you get reflux or heartburn contact your surgeon immediately.
If you learn to use the Lap-Band properly, you'll experience amazing results. Both in your weight loss goals and your overall health and wellness.
