Is Lap-Band Surgery Right for You?

What is one of the fastest growing procedures being performed in Australia’s public hospitals? It’s Lap-Band surgery, and thousands of Australians are lining-up for it. This small silicone band attached to the stomach to reduce its size can help treat obesity and associated cases of type 2 diabetes. With obesity levels on the increase, it’s important to know what options there are to help reverse the obesity epidemic. Is Lap-Banding an option for you?

Did you know you can lose weight online, and access the CalorieKing.com.au Program (13 weeks of practical information on all aspects of weight control)? Learn more

What is Lap-Banding?

A Lap-Band is a silicone gastric band that’s placed around the top of the upper part of the stomach. The band helps people gradually lose and control body weight by reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold.

A Lap-Band operation is done under anaesthetic in a hospital operating room. During surgery a few cuts are made in the abdomen. If no complications occur, the procedure takes about an hour.

A Lap-Band creates a small stomach pouch that initially holds about 60 mLs of food. Later on it holds up to 120 to 170 mLs. This controls the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time.

The outlet into the normal stomach and intestines is also reduced in size, so food trickles through slowly. This means people who’ve had Lap-Band surgery feel full eating only small amounts of food.

Who Can Have Lap-Banding?

Is Lap-Banding right for you? Read the check-list below.

You must be at least 18 years old
Your BMI is at least 40 or at least twice your ideal weight, or you weigh at least around 50 kilos more than your ideal weight
You have been overweight for more than five years
You have tried to lose weight in the past and have only achieved short-term success
You are free from any other disease that may have caused you to become obese
You are willing to make major positive changes to your eating habits and lifestyle
You are willing to have your specialist monitor you regularly after the procedure
You drink little or no alcohol and you are not addicted to any drugs

Who Should Not Have Lap-Banding?

There are many types of diseases, health problems or conditions that can prevent people from having Lap-Banding. These include:

an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers or Crohn’s disease
severe heart or lung disease
pregnancy
cirrhosis
cancer
allergies to the Lap-Band

Contact a Lap-Band specialist for more health problems that prevent Lap-Band surgery.

How Much Weight Might You Lose?

The amount of weight you could lose depends of a number of things. The band needs to be in the right position and you need to commit to healthy eating habits.

Lap-Bands are not miracle cures. The fat won’t come off by itself. You need to set weight loss goals from the start. During the first year you’re likely to lose about half a kilo a week. A weight loss of one to one-and-a-half kilos a week in the first year is, however, possible. After 12 to 18 months, weight loss is more gradual.

Gradual weight loss is vital. Losing weight too fast is unhealthy and can cause health problems. A main goal would be to lose weight to prevent, improve or resolve health problems linked to being overweight.