Obesity is a major health concern among millions of people today. Add to that the Hollywood notion that “skinny is pretty”, that even those without obesity issues would crave to be slender and don that top model look. There are various ways to lose weight, and lap band surgery is one of them.
Lap band surgery, also known as laparoscopic gastric banding or adjustable gastric banding surgery, is involves a laparascope, a type of adjustable silicone band, being tied around the upper stomach to inhibit large intake. The band has a port inserted under the skin for future adjustment. Lap Band is actually a brand of the ring or band used in the surgery.
There are two phases to the surgery. The first is the addition of the non-inflated tube band to the stomach. Some four to six weeks after, when the patient has completely recovered, the band is then adjusted via injection or removal of saline to tighten or loosen it.
List of Pros of Lap Band Surgery
1. Less Severe Short-Term Complications
The pain and discomfort does not last very long. After the successful placement and adjustment of the band, the patient can go on a few weeks of recovery and proceed to normal lifestyle.
2. Cost of Surgery is Lesser
Unlike other weight loss surgeries and medical treatments, lap band surgery is relatively more affordable. Lap band surgery costs around $19,000, while gastric bypass costs $25,000 per person. However, gastric sleeve is cheapest at $15,000.
3. The Band is Adjustable and Procedure is Reversible
Depending on the health requirements of the patient, the band is adjusted by inserting or removing saline into the port to inflate or deflate the tube band.
4. Has Low Malnutrition Risk
The procedure is restrictive but it does not inhibit absorption of nutrients. The patient only needs to take regular multivitamins as part of his nutritional supplementation.
5. Least invasive among Weight Loss Surgeries
Despite the addition of a foreign object, it features quick recovery and is less invasive. Unlike gastric sleeve and gastric bypass that requires the patient to stay in the hospital for at least two days, the patient undergoing gastric band may go home immediately after the surgery, less than one day.
List of Cons of Lap Band Surgery
1. Not as Effective as Gastric Sleeve or Bypass
Lap band surgery or gastric band promises up to 50% of excess weight loss after five years, which is about 15% to 25% less than other procedures. Also, weight loss is highly unpredictable because the patient has to couple the surgery with proper diet to make it work.
2. Needs Frequent Visits to the Doctor
The patient needs to visit the doctor more frequently, up to 15 times in the first year, and fewer in the succeeding years. This is especially true if the band has to be adjusted, has slipped, or caused complications.
3. Has 3% Fatality Rate and Higher Long-Term Complications
Surgeries have innate risks, and can result to death. This is true to lap band surgery. Also, it has higher long-term complications, which requires re-operation and removal of the band.
4. Not a Cure-All against Obesity
Again, only the intake is restricted. The patient has to control his diet, and when possible, perform exercise, to ensure weight loss in a healthy way.
5. Requires Foreign Object Placement
The band is a foreign object, and this might not do well with some patients. Others dread the implantation of a medical device inside their bodies, more than the removal of a body part, as in the case of bypass and sleeve.