How Does Lap Band Surgery Work?

Introduction

With the level of obesity rising in nations across the world, especially the United States, an increasing interest in lap band surgery has developed. This surgery drastically decreases the size of the stomach, helping those with weight loss problems eat much less food, and lose weight. However, this surgery is not without risks and is not an option for everyone.

Qualification

Because of the risks associated with lap band surgery, a potential patient must undergo a barrage of test before being considered for the procedure. Preoperative screening includes blood tests, gastroscopy, x-rays, and other imaging tests as requested by the surgeon. The surgeon looks at the overall results to see if the patient can survive the surgery, or in some cases, would not be able to survive without the surgery.

The Operation

Once a patient has been cleared for surgery the procedure is scheduled and performed. General anesthesia is given before the procedure. During the procedure, a a 1cm incision is made in the abdomen. Through this incision, a small lap band device is wrapped around the upper portion of the stomach, cutting the area off from the rest of the stomach. This area becomes the patient's new stomach. The incision is then stitched up and the patient is cared for in the procedure center until the anesthesia wears off. After that the patient can go home.

Adjustments

The lap band works by decreasing the size of the stomach as well as making the stomach feel full longer. The lap band makes you feel full by inflating a small balloon located inside of the device. This balloon can continually be inflated and deflated by outside control. It also allows the physician to expand the balloon if complications occur. To expand the lap band a small amount of saline solution is inserted into the device through an access port just underneath the skin.

Dangers

The dangers of the lap band surgery are usually compared to the dangers associated with being obese. Since the lap band procedure is a surgery, there can be complications such as infections, lap band erosion, stomach puncture, and ulcers.

Resources

• Additional Information on Lap Band Surgery