Lap Band Surgery Pros and Cons

In 2017, approximately 228,000 bariatric procedures were performed in the United States. The most common bariatric surgery procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric lap band and biliopancreatic diversion. Gastric lap band surgery is considered the least invasive weight loss surgery and the safest.

What is lap band surgery?

Gastric lap band surgery for weight loss is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves placing an inflatable silicone device around the top portion of the stomach. Its primary function is to decrease food intake by reducing the size of the stomach, so the person feels full faster.

Lap band surgery is only recommended for those who are morbidly obese with a BMI of 35 or above. Typically, this surgery is only recommended after other forms of weight loss treatment have failed (e.g., diet, physical activity and medications).

Overall, weight loss surgery is not recommended for those with a current alcohol or drug addiction, uncontrolled psychiatric illness, or impaired ability to understand the risks, benefits, outcomes and required lifestyle changes.

Pros of lap band surgery

The benefits of lap band surgery include:

• Least invasive medical weight loss surgery available
• Outpatient surgery (in most cases)
• Not permanent and can be removed at any time
• Proven effective for weight loss
• May improve comorbidities, like type 2 diabetes

Cons of lap band surgery

Despite the safety of the lap band surgery, potential problems can occur. The possible side effects of gastric lap band surgery include:

• Slower weight loss than other surgical procedures
• Some may find the device uncomfortable
• Requires strict adherence to the postoperative diet

Wouldn’t it be great to begin your weight loss journey with a minimally invasive lap band surgery this year? Give yourself the gift of losing weight, feeling great and finally being able to say no to obesity this holiday season.