5 Reasons Lap Band Is Better Than Gastric Bypass

For many people with severe weight problems, the answer may lie in a surgical procedure to help them regain control. But choosing the best type of surgery can be difficult. There are many factors to consider when making a decision between procedures like Lap Band and gastric bypass surgery.

The Lap Band procedure involves the placement of a band device known as a Lap Band around the upper stomach. The band reduces the size of the stomach, thereby limiting the patient's food intake, leading to weight loss.

The gastric bypass procedure involves stapling of the stomach to make it smaller, thus restricting food intake. In addition, the small intestine is rerouted to bypass part of the small intestine, thereby limiting the absorption of nutrients during digestion. The combination of reduced appetite and restricted absorption leads to weight loss.

While both procedures may bring about the desired end result of substantial weight loss, the Lap Band procedure offers several advantages, including these five:

1. Less Invasive. It is typically placed using laparoscopic surgery, which involves small incisions and the use of cameras. Gastric bypass, on the other hand, is usually done as an open surgery, meaning it involves a large incision.
2. Simpler. The procedure is a much simpler surgery than gastric bypass surgery. As such, it typically takes about one hour to perform, whereas gastric bypass can take up to four hours. The procedure can also be performed as an outpatient procedure, whereas gastric bypass requires a two- or three-day hospital stay.
3. More Control. Because the Lap Band device is adjustable, the patient and surgeon maintain more control over the weight loss process than is possible with gastric bypass. The device can be inflated or deflated in response to the weight loss progress and nutritional needs of the patient. The procedure can also be completely reversed.
4. Less Risk. Because the procedure is performed laparoscopically, it is a less risky procedure overall. Following surgery, Lap Band carries less risk of dumping syndrome, in which undigested stomach contents enter the intestines too quickly, causing cramps and nausea.
5. Slow, Steady Weight Loss. With this procedure, there is a slower, steadier weight loss, which is the approach health professionals recommend for long-term success.

The cost of the gastric procedure is comparable to the Lap Band surgery cost. However, with gastric bypass surgery, there could be additional expenses later on, as many people experience a stretching out of the stomach pouch and a regaining of weight. Once they do, many opt for StomaphyX, a secondary procedure especially for those who have gained back the weight following gastric bypass. With Lap Band, no secondary procedure is required.

Many people across the country choose to undergo a bariatric surgery procedure in order to improve their quality of life. Bariatric surgery patients across the nation are able to lose mass quantities of weight, allowing them to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Gastric Bypass Information - Stay Informed

Gastric Bypass is a surgical procedure for treating excessive weight, in which the digestive system is made smaller by reducing the size of the stomach and length of the intestines. It is recommended for critically obese persons and where other weight loss programs have failed. There are four types of gastric bypass operations for treating morbid obesity.

Gastric Bypass Information - Procedure

The first step divides the stomach to create a very small pocket of the upper stomach. Surgical staples are used to partially or fully divide the stomach. Full partitioning is recommended so that the two stomachs don't fistulize (heal back together again). Next, the stomach and intestines are reconnected by bypassing part of the small intestine which reduces the digestion time. This enables one to eat smaller amounts of food and absorb less of it into the body.

Gastric bypass lasts between one to three hours and the two main types of operation are open surgery or keyhole (laparoscopic). In open surgery a skin incision of about 30cm is made on the upper abdomen and then resealed with staples and stitches after surgery. Keyhole surgery is less invasive whereby several small cuts are made on the upper abdomen. One cut is for inserting a special telescopic camera, which is attached on the other end to a video screen for the surgeon to observe his actions inside the body. The other cuts are for inserting various surgical tools. At the end of the surgery the small cuts are stitched up.

Gastric Bypass Information - Pre-operation preparation

Preparations for the operation comprise of changes in eating habits and lifestyle to ensure the best possible results. For example smoking is discouraged due to the increased risk of wound infection. To minimize the chances of blood clots in the legs you may be asked to wear compression stockings or be given anti-clotting medication. Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and urine, are tested regularly.

The surgery normally requires a four to five day stay at the hospital. A general (full body) anesthesia is applied so you cannot eat or drink at least six hours prior to the operation. However, the anesthesiologist may permit small sips of water just prior to the surgery. All patients sign a consent form that covers the risks and benefits plus gives your permission for the surgery to proceed.

Gastric Bypass Information - Post operation

Full recovery takes up to six weeks. Immediately after the gastric bypass you may receive pain medication to relieve discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. For a short period a bladder catheter might be used to drain urine into a bag. You may have a stomach tube through your nose to drain excess air and fluids in the stomach that cause nausea and bloating. Also, electric pads maybe used to massage the legs against the formation of clots. Patients will be encouraged to walk around a little to prevent blood clots and chest infections. Initially, only fluids will be consumed, then you will graduate to pureed meals and then to controlled intake of solid meals. Diet will be strictly monitored and key lifestyle changes are recommended.

How Gastric Bypass Can Change Your Life

A successful Gastric Bypass surgery can change a life in many ways. The first and most obvious is the health of the individual. That is a major benefit and one that can save a life. The surgery can boost your energy level, and self esteem. Traveling is easier and having to ask for a seatbelt extender on an airplane will no longer be necessary. There are smaller advantages, and some big disadvantages, which will be discussed in the following paragraphs.

Gastric Bypass surgery can change a life in numerous ways. Flying is more fun because a smaller suitcase can be carried on board. Placing more clothes in the washer is another plus. Wearing a car seatbelt is not only mandatory, but possible. Being more active will help lower health risk factors associated with obesity. Doing simple things like picking up dropped keys or papers are more easily done, and for the first time in a very long time exercise is possible.

Gastric Bypass sometimes has its disadvantages too. Complications are possible and should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor before making a decision. Blood clots, ulcers, acid leaks, and even death are real possibilities. Problems with vomiting are also associated with the Gastro Bypass surgery. If one overeats the pain can be quite severe. Chewing well is a must so food won't get stuck. Alcohol is sometimes totally restricted due to the fast absorbsion. Enough nutrients are sometimes impossible to absorb, and a daily multi vitamin should probably be taken daily.

Many Gastric Bypass patients may return to normal sugar and cholesterol levels. Blood pressure problems may dissipate. Sleep apnea and back pain may no longer be problems. The benefits are clear, but so are the possible complications. Be aware and make an informed decision before jumping into the decision to have the surgery.

Many patients of Gastro Bypass have a positive healthy outcome that probably wouldn't have been obtainable if not for the surgery. The Gastro Bypass surgery is not a cure, but can change one's life. Discovering a new and exciting way of life can be so rewarding.

Gastric Bypass is No Cure

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and other types of morbid obesity surgeries are no cure for being overweight. The stomach pouch made during surgery can be stretched to its original size and sometimes even larger by continuing bad eating habits. Yes, the surgery causes malabsorption which does reduce the amount of calories absorbed, but it also restricts nutrients the body needs. Gastric By-Pass and other weight loss surgeries can provide overweight people with an opportunity to change bad eating habits, and that is a huge deal.

A good doctor should be completely honest. He or she should state all the risks involved, including death, and the real probability that any weight lost will be regained if a life time of poor eating habits aren't established as soon as the surgery is done. From day one, Gastric Bypass patients should change their habits. It will be more easily accomplished because the feeling of fullness will be so strong that eating more will cause discomfort, and possibly vomiting. Stop eating as soon as you feel slightly full, and don't continue to eat unhealthy foods. If you do, the Gastric Bypass was done in vain. Weight will be loss initially, but it will be re-gained, and the stomach pouch will stretch out.

With any surgery there are risks. Weigh them carefully. If you have any hesitation at all, don't do it. The doctor will likely send you for a psyche examine. However, the examine most likely weeds out the most least likely to succeed. The Gastric Bypass also inhibits drinking and eating at the same time. You must or should wait a minimum of an hour between meals and a liquid, that is a rule broken more times than not.

If suggested rules are followed the Gastro Bypass surgery can lead the way to a healthier life. A patient will look better, but beware there may be the problem of loose or hanging skin. Height and bone structure are probably key factors in the end result.

The Gastric Bypass surgery should be an individual decision, and one that shouldn't be rushed into. Do plenty of research, and talk to people who have had the surgery for at least five years. Talking to people online is a great way to chat with people who have gone through the experience. There are always risks, but talking with others will help you obtain a well informed decision. All too often, people rush into the surgery and never realize a change of poor eating habits must change. One snickers or ice cream bar can lead to another, and if the feeling of fullness is already present with the smallest amount of food why push fate. It is also easy to fool oneself into thinking those bad habits won't matter since the amount of food eaten is so small, but again, beware that one slip can lead to another.

Gastric Bypass Options

View the Original article