Weight No Longer - Lap-Band for Life
Frequently Asked Questions
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 The Lap-Band is a registered trademark of Allergan Health How does the Lap-Band System work? The Lap-Band System is a silicone ring designed to be placed around the upper part of the stomach and filled with saline on it's inner surface. This creates a new, smaller stomach pouch that can hold only a small amount of food, so the food storage area in the stomach is reduced. The band also controls the stoma (stomach outlet) between the new upper pouch and the lower part of the stomach. When the stoma is smaller, you feel full faster, while the food moves more slowly between your upper and lower stomach as it is digested. As a result, you eat less and lose weight. How much weight will I lose? Weight-loss results vary from patient to patient. A weight loss of two to three pounds a week in the first year after operation is possible, but one pound a week is more likely. Twelve to eighteen months after the operation, weekly weight loss is usually less. But remember that you should lose weight gradually. Losing weight too quickly creates a health risk and can lead to a number of problems. The main goal is to have weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves health problems connected with severe obesity. When will I start to see results? Individual weight loss results vary but if you follow the general nutritional guidelines, you should expect to lose about 1 to 2 pounds every week on average over the first year. Will I be able to eat whatever I want? You may eat most foods that don't cause you discomfort. However, because you can only eat a little at any given time, it is important to include foods rich in important vitamins and nutrients-foods such as those recommended by your surgeon and/or dietitian. Does the Lap-Band System limit physical activity? No. The Lap-Band System does not limit or hamper physical activity. You should be able to do everything from simple stretches to strenuous exercises. In fact, exercise should become a regular part of your postsurgical routine. Remember, the Lap-Band System is simply a tool that helps you lose weight- diet and exercise are still required. Always check with your doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is best for you. How long does recovery after surgery take? It takes most patients about a week before they can return to work, and a month to six weeks before they can resume exercising. In the case of open surgery, or if there are complications, recovery may take longer. Who is eligible for the Lap-Band System? The Lap-Band System can help adults, at least 18 years old, who are 100 pounds over their ideal weight or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater for at least 5 years. People with a BMI of 35 or greater with weight-related health problems may also be eligible for the Lap-Band System. How is the Lap-Band System different from gastric bypass surgery? Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the Lap-Band System procedure does not require stomach cutting and stapling or gastrointestinal rerouting to bypass normal digestion. What happens during the surgery? During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (making tiny incisions rather than a large incision and inserting long-shafted instruments through "ports") to wrap the Lap-Band System around the patient's stomach. A narrow camera is passed through a port so the surgeon can view the operative site on a nearby video monitor. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create the new stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. The band is then locked securely in a ring around the stomach. Where can I find more information? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel or visit our resources page in this website by clicking on the link below. Q and A Segment courtesy of Allergan Health |