The LapBand procedure is a weight loss surgery that has increased in popularity since is introduction to the United States in 2001. So, what is it that sets the LapBand apart from other bariatric procedures? It has to do with risk and convenience. With a lower complication and death rate and a shorter recovery period, the LapBand is the preferred choice of treatment for most individuals and healthcare professionals.

If you are overweight, you may be ready to jump on the LapBand bandwagon. As previously stated, the LapBand surgery does have a number of benefits, but it is not right for everyone. So, how do you know? Please continue reading on for five signs that the LapBand surgery is something you should closely examine. In the event the signs apply to you, schedule a consultation appointment with a LapBand surgeon to determine your eligibility.

1 If Your Doctor Suggests It

Those who suffer from obesity are likely to schedule more appointments with their primary care physician. Those suffering from obesity, deal with other health related complications, including asthma and diabetes. In most cases, primary care physicians recommend healthy eating and exercise. In extreme cases of obesity, the LapBand system may be mentioned.

If your primary care physician suggests the LapBand surgery, take this suggestion to heart. Your doctor has your best interests in mind.

2 If You Are Severely Obese

On average, those suffering from obesity have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more. This usually translates to 30 pounds overweight. Although obesity has many risks and complications, LapBand surgeons are selective. In most cases, simply just being obese isnt enough to warrant a LapBand procedure. Instead, most physicians recommend patients have a Body Mass Index (BMI) rating of 40 or more. This translates into severe and morbid obesity.

If you are 100 pounds overweight or more, LapBand surgery may not only help you lose weight, but it may save your life.

3 If You Are Unable to Lose Weight

In most cases, the LapBand surgery is used as a last resort. It is considered a relatively safe procedure, but there are always risks involved. That is why most professionals opt for natural weight loss methods. Before giving the okay for LapBand, most surgeons want to see proof that their patients have tried to lose weight with diet and exercise. If not, most will try natural approaches before opting for surgery.

If you have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight with diet and exercise multiple times, weight loss surgery may be your only option.

4 If Your Health is at Risk

Health will play a huge role in ones ability to undergo LapBand surgery. For many, it is a double sword. LapBand surgery and weight loss can lessen the symptoms of asthma, diabetes, and other obesity related conditions. In fact, symptoms may completely disappear. On that same note, those who are obese due to a medical condition, such as a thyroid problem or pregnancy, are not ideal candidates. In these instances, a reduced stomach size may not cure a weight problem.

If you suffer from obesity related health problems, consider surgery. Not only will you lose weight, but your overall health and wellbeing will improve. You may feel as if you got a new lease on life with the LapBand surgery.

5 If You Cannot Complete Daily Activities

Despite being obese, some men and women are able to lead normal and happy lives. This is often the case with slight obesity. On the other hand, there are those who cannot do daily activities or needed tasks. Those who find it impossible to play with their children, walk up a flight of stairs, or leave the house, are at a serious and dangerous stage. This is the point where LapBand surgery and other extreme methods of weight loss should be examined.

If your obesity restricts your ability to go about your day, now is the time to consider the LapBand system.

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LapBand Surgery: How to Reduce the Risk of Complications

Have you received the approval to undergo LapBand surgery? If so, you are well on your way to having a lighter and healthier body. At first, you will be excited about your upcoming weight loss surgery. At some point in time, you may experience nervousness. The LapBand is considered a safe procedure, but surgery always involves risks. These risks, no matter how small, may cause you some concern.

So, what should you do? Take steps to minimize your risk of LapBand complications. As for how you can do so:

Most importantly, listen to your primary care physician and LapBand surgeon. Most patients mistakenly believe their surgery begins at their surgery date and time. Yes, technically it does, but a lot of preparation is needed for the LapBand system. Diet restrictions are necessary to prepare the body for surgery in the two to three weeks prior. For that reason, follow all professional advice given.

As previously stated, diet restriction is necessary in the weeks leading up to surgery. Physicians will provide patients with a list of pre-approved foods. Despite the possibility of small variances, you should be able to eat lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. Protein supplements will be added. These diet restrictions are necessary to reduce complications. They allow for the reduction in fat around the stomach, making surgery easier and safer.

Also at the advice of a LapBand surgeon, patients are asked not to eat or drink after the midnight before their surgery. This is important advice to follow. Not only may you face complications, your doctor may refuse to perform the surgery!

Post surgery, patients have multiple follow-up appointments with their surgeons. At these follow-up appointments or at anytime following surgery, voice concerns. This includes pain and discomfort. Yes, pain and discomfort is a small side effect of surgery, but still mention it. You never know if complications have started or may later arise.

In the 24 hours following the LapBand procedure, patients start moving. By discharge time, patients should be able to walk, get up and down. With that said, it may be uncomfortable and slightly painful to move too much. For that reason, prepare your home for your arrival in advance. It reduces post-surgery LapBand complications by ensuring you have time to fully recover. Stock up on post-surgery liquids, clean your house, and so forth.

Start with a clear liquid diet. This is advised immediately following surgery. A clear liquid diet may include chicken broth, sugar free gelatin, and diluted apple juice. Your surgeon will provide you with a list of approved foods. To reduce complications, slip your drinks slowly. After approval, the next stages include full liquids, pureed foods, soft foods, and full solids. This process can take between one and two months. Always eat slowly, check food thoroughly, and stop eating when full.

Do not return to work without doctor approval. If you work in an office environment and perform easy tasks, such as typing, you are likely to return to work in one week. If heavy lifting is required, such as in the retail or construction industry, extended recovery is recommended.

Finally, attend all follow-up appointments. Unfortunately, many individuals believe they are in the clear if they dont experience LapBand complications right away, but this is not true. Band slippage, stomach erosion, acid reflux, and regurgitation can occur days, weeks, months, or even years after surgery. These all signal complications, which when known can easily be treated with a band adjustment.

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LapBand Surgery: How to Find the Support You Need

If you suffer from severe to morbid obesity, your physician may recommend the LapBand surgery. If so, you should heed their suggestion. In cases of severe to morbid obesity, the LapBand procedure becomes more than just a weight loss surgery; it becomes a lifesaving device.

Once you receive approval from a LapBand surgeon, the process begins. Even if your surgery isnt scheduled for a month, preparation will begin almost immediately. In the two to three weeks pre-surgery, diet restrictions are a must. Patients are asked to refrain from eating or drinking before midnight. Post-surgery extreme diet restrictions are required. Patients start on a clear liquid diet then make the progression to full liquids, pureed foods, soft solids, and full solid foods. This is a very important, yet stressful procedure.

Since the LapBand system demands a lot from patients, it is not uncommon for patients to experience high stress levels and bouts of depression. To prevent this from happening, it is important to have a strong support system in place. But, where can you turn?

Your LapBand surgeon or surgical center. When choosing a LapBand surgeon, it is important to inquire about care. You want a surgeon who will do more than just operate. You need a surgeon who will properly prepare you for the procedure, educate you on each step of the surgery, and offer assistance for post surgery care. Surgeons know that the LapBand procedure is not just a surgery, but a lifestyle change. That is why many are willing to be your support throughout the entire length of the procedure.

Your primary care physician. If you have concerns about the LapBand surgery, speak directly to your surgeon. With that said, you may find support from your primary care physician. Two months after the LapBand, your surgical visits will decrease. Of course, additional appointments can be scheduled if pain and discomfort is experienced. If you just need medical advice or support, consider contacting your primary care physician.

Friends and family. The ability to receive support from a medical professional is important, but so is your support system at home. On average, home recovery takes about one week. During this time, you will be home from work. Minimal movement is okay, but you may need help from others. Not only will you need physical help, but emotional support. The changes and diet restrictions patients face following surgery can be overwhelming.

Support groups. Obesity has become a major problem in the United States. For that reason, there are many support groups available. These groups will vary. For example, there are groups for those looking to manage obesity and groups for those looking to overcome it. A LapBand support group is your best option. Speak to your LapBand surgeon, as some setup their own in-house support groups for patients.

Online support groups. If given the choice, opt for an in-person support group where you are able to meet face-to-face. This personalization can help give you comfort and reassurance. However, if this is not an option, consider online support groups. These groups can be found with a standard internet search.

Dietary experts. As previously stated, the biggest adjustment LapBand patients need to make is with their diet. For some, this may seem like an impossible task, as many do not know where to start. In that instance, a dietary expert is recommended. Let a professional help you slowly make the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Remember, weight loss is maximized when the LapBand is later combined with healthy eating and exercise.

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Stomach liposuction? Hmmm, I wonder…

So, you worked hard, kept to your routine of diet and exercise and finally made it to your goal weight. Awesome! Good for you! There is just one thing that concerns you, your belly got smaller but it is not nearly as toned as you would like it to be. There is still some fat there and it just will not go away, no matter that you have done what seems like a million crunches.

You have heard that this happens. But you thought you were different or you thought that the people who talked about it just weren’t working out as hard as they said they were. Well, now here you are, right in the same boat. You know how hard you worked every single day and even though it has gotten significantly smaller, you still have that stubborn little paunch that will not go away. What can you do about it?

Consider stomach liposuction. You have done most of the work already and wouldn’t it be the greatest thing in the world to have the rest of it gone? You could get rid of the stubborn fat and have the doctor contour your stomach to show off the six pack hiding underneath.

Sounds appealing, doesn’t it? So, how do you find a doctor you can trust? One word, research. Make sure that whomever you choose is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Make a list of several you think are promising candidates and then call and ask for references. If consultations are free then make appointments with each one and ask to see some of their work. Do not just blindly pick someone out of the phone book. If you know someone who has had some work done ask for a reference but still check the doctor out completely before making any commitments.

Liposuction techniques have changed over the years and have become safer and more effective due to the development and use of lasers to remove stubborn belly fat. The use of the laser requires only a very small incision, melts the fat away and suctions it out. Using the laser is not nearly as invasive as the traditional liposuction technique and results in a smaller scar, less chance of hemorrhage because the laser automatically cauterizes the blood vessels as it goes and less pain associated with the procedure. Which means, and this is the best of all, a much shorter recovery time.

Use of the laser also firms the skin during the procedure so there is no need for a tummy tuck to tighten the skin afterward. No girdle, no elastic bandages and no repositioning of your belly button required.

You probably won’t need a narcotic pain reliever either. Tylenol will probably control your pain quite nicely but be sure to request something more if you think you are going to need it. Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, do not suffer needlessly.

Stomach liposuction is a great option for people with stubborn belly fat.

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