Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is an alternative to other, more invasive, types of weight loss surgery. The lap band resembles a shower curtain ring with a small inflatable lining. The band is inserted around the top of the stomach. The tightness can be adjusted by injecting or removing saline from the lining via the port installed in the abdomen. Lap band surgery advantages are extensive when compared with other weight loss surgery options.
In gastric banding, the stomach and intestine does not have to be cut or re-routed in any way. This allows the band to be removed in the future, if desired or if necessary, without doing any damage to the stomach or digestive system itself. Because there is no cutting of the stomach or intestine, banding does not create any malabsorption problems, as in other types of weight loss surgery.
The surgery itself is much shorter. Average length of time is 45 minutes to one hour. A shorter surgery makes the anesthesia risk less, as well. Lap band surgery has fewer complications than other weight loss surgery.
Gastric banding has a much shorter recovery time. Often, individuals are able to go back to work (with lifting restrictions) in less than a week following surgery.
With the gastric band, weight loss is slower. This allows time for your body to adjust to the changes. Skin has time to shrink back and most people do not have a large apron of fat or huge amounts of loose skin after weight loss with gastric banding.
These are just a few of the lap band surgery advantages. Gastric banding is a viable, less invasive alternative to other types of weight loss surgery.
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