Undergoing LapBand Surgery: Tips to Get Started
You may have heard that the LapBand surgery is a great way to lose weight. Yes, it is. After all, the LapBand is one of the fastest growing weight loss surgeries in the United States. So, if you are ready to lose weight and improve your health, you may be ready to get started.
First, you need to determine if you are eligible. Most times, you will do so with your primary care physician. He or she will review the standard eligibility criteria used by most LapBand surgeons. For example, most only operate on those between the ages of 18 and 60 and those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. If you are deemed an ideal candidate, a referral will be provided.
The best way to find a quality LapBand surgeon is to use the referral of a primary care physician. With that said, you can choose your own surgeon. The internet or local phone book is an easy way to get started. If not using a referral, set up a consultation appointment immediately to determine your eligibility.
The next step is to review all health insurance coverage. If you are insured, coverage may be extended. LapBand surgery is often an optional procedure. This means that if strict rules and restrictions are met, coverage is likely. Speak to your health insurance provider and physician to determine coverage eligibility and amount.
Before getting your heart set on the LapBand system or before going in for the procedure, it is important to arrange payment. On average, the LapBand system costs between $15,000 and $20,000 in the United States. If paying with a debit card, contact your bank to have your daily limit temporarily lifted. If unable to pay the cost upfront, inquire about a payment plan.
Your initial consultation appointment is where you will be deemed an ideal candidate for LapBand surgery. After that, you will still have follow-up appointment. These will be to prepare you for surgery and monitor the strict pre-surgery diet of lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and yogurt. At least one of these appointments should be with the surgeon performing the procedure.
Two to three weeks before the LapBand procedure, patients need to restrict their diet. As previously stated, this diet contains lean meats, yogurt, fruits, vegetables, and other similar foods. Why not get started earlier? This gives you reassurance that you can restrict your diet before and after surgery. It also allows you to experiment and find healthy food that works for you.
One of the many advantages to undergoing the LapBand is the short recovery time. Since the stomach is resized with an adjustable band, as opposed to stomach stapling, hospitalization is usually less than 24 hours. Still, you will need time off from work. Discuss work with your surgeon. Your job duties will determine time needed for recovery.
Preparing your home is another important pre-surgery step. Before undergoing surgery, prepare everything you need at home. This may involve cleaning, rearranging for easy movement, and so forth. If responsible for cooking for other family members, cook and freeze meals ahead of time.
Buying post-surgery supplies ahead of time can ease the recovery process. Immediately following the LapBand surgery, a clear liquid diet is required. A few days later, you will be able to transition to full liquid foods. Stock up on these liquids before your surgery. You will experience a some difficulty getting around, so dont make unnecessary trips to the grocery store.
Finally, arrange transportation to and from surgery. Patients undergoing the LapBand procedure cannot eat or drink after midnight. This may leave you feeling tired and lightheaded, so do not drive. The same is said for post-surgery. Instead, recruit a friend or family member for transportation.
Most importantly, follow the advice of your surgeon. If your surgeon advises you to restrict your diet before surgery, do it. These rules and restrictions are designed to protect your health and wellbeing. When following the advice of a LapBand surgeon, your risk of surgery related complications decrease.
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The Advantages of LapBand Surgery
Are you obese? If so, you may be concerned with your health. Obesity can lead to other health complications, including the early onset of death. For that reason, you may be ready to make the change. If so, you may turn to the internet to research your options. In just a few minutes, you will find the LapBand surgery.
The LapBand surgery is a popular procedure that has been performed in the United States since 2001. Although many Americans opt for this procedure and see success, you may be looking for more proof. What is it that makes the LapBand system better than other gastric bypass surgeries?
1 The LapBand System is Adjustable
Unlike many other forms of bariatric surgery, the LapBand is adjustable. This is very important for tailoring to patient needs. In fact, adjustments are common.
So, what does this mean for you? It means that you and your doctor will work together to decide on the appropriate measurements. This will give you the best chance of weight loss success. With that said, adjustments can be made at anytime. Are you not losing enough weight? Have you lost too much? If so, your band can easily be adjusted to fit your needs.
If that wasnt enough, the LapBand system can be adjusted without surgery. Adjustment is performed with the use of saline and a thin needle. In most cases, adjustments are included in the overall cost of LapBand surgery.
2 The LapBand System is Safe
According to the official website for the LapBand procedure, it is the safest obesity surgery currently available in the United States. It has the lowest mortality rate, as well as the lowest complication rate. This, alone, may give you comfort and peace of mind.
As for why the LapBand is the safest surgery option for those suffering from obesity, it involves the procedure. With the LapBand, there is so stomach pouch cutting and stapling. This reduces the risk of complications, including infection and scarring. Instead, an adjustable gastric band, known as the LapBand, is used to reduce stomach size.
While the LapBand procedure is considered safe and effective, further reduce the risk of complications by opting for a Board Certified Surgeon and by following all doctor recommendations.
3 The LapBand System is Reversible
As previously stated, the LapBand system is adjustable. Not only that, but it is removable. Those suffering from obesity, often find it hard to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. With time, knowledge, and a LapBand procedure, weight loss is not only achievable, but it can turn into positive lifestyle change. In a few as five years or more, you may no longer need the band to help your maintain a healthy weight. In that event, it can be removed and your stomach will return to normal.
The LapBand system is a successful and proven way to lose weight. With that said, not everyone is the perfect match. Following surgery, if serious complications arise, the band may be removed. In this instance, the stomach and body return to normal.
4 The LapBand System is Convenient
Of course, no surgical procedure is truly convenient, but you will be pleased with the LapBand surgery. Since an adjustable gastric banding, known as the LapBand, is positioned around the stomach pouch, recovery time is short. You would spend more time in the hospital with a traditional gastric bypass surgery.
Since the recovery time is short, minor disruptions will interfere with your lifestyle. You will need to take a few days off from work. If your job duties include heavy lifting, first speak with your LapBand surgeon. Generally speaking, you will find yourself back at work and performing your day-to-day tasks in no time at all.
So, there you have it. Above four great reasons why the LapBand surgery is the best weight loss surgery available in the United States were highlighted. So, what are you waiting for? Speak to your primary care physician or contact a LapBand surgeon to see if you are eligible for this safe and potentially lifesaving procedure.
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Post LapBand Surgery and Diet Restrictions
Are you severely obese? If so, you may opt for the LapBand surgery. The LapBand surgery is one of the most common and popular weight loss surgeries in the United States. This popularity is due to the adjustable band that is inserted, as opposed to stomach cutting and stapling. If that wasnt ideal enough, the LapBand procedure is fully reversible and adjustable without surgery!
If you are obese, the first step in seeking help with the LapBand system is to schedule a consultation appointment. Depending on your payment options, a referral may be required from your primary care physician. Once you are able to meet with a surgeon, it will be decided if the LapBand surgery is right for you.
On average, ideal candidates for this weight loss procedure are between the ages of 18 and 60 and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more. These are the most common eligibility requirements used by surgeons. With that said, there is another important eligibility requirement. That requirement involves dietary change. To see success with the LapBand surgery, you need to restrict your diet.
There are many reasons for obesity. One of the most common causes is poor eating habits. If you are known for overeating or eating foods that are high in fats and calories, you may be concerned with diet restrictions. This is a legitimate concern. Not only will diet restrictions improve your chances of weight loss, restrictions lessen the risk of complications.
So, what type of diet restrictions are expected following a LapBand surgical procedure?
In the days following the LapBand procedure, an all-liquid diet is recommended. For the first few days, a clear liquid diet is needed. The clear liquid diet will be the hardest stage to overcome. Your diet options include diluted apple juice, chicken broth, sugar free gelatin, and non-carbonated drinks. When possible, opt for flavored liquids, as flavor may help to clam cravings.
Depending on your progress, a full liquid diet is the next step. Typically, full liquids are introduced after 7 days. At this time, pudding, yogurt, milk, and soup can be incorporated into your diet.
At around two to three weeks post-surgery, pureed foods will be incorporated into your diet. There are affordable puree systems available for sale online and in most department stores. These can enable you to enjoy many of your favorite healthy foods. Although they will look different, the tastes should be the same.
At around one or two months following the LapBand system, solid foods can be introduced. You have been waiting patiently for this time. Remember, it is important to eat healthy. Sweets are allowed, but only in moderation and they are not advised right away. Instead, consume fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Once solid foods are incorporated into the diet, many patients experience difficulty. It is not uncommon for some to overeat. This is not advised. Overeating can cause temporary pain, discomfort, and vomiting. To prevent this from happening, take slow and small bites. Stop eating when full.
As previously stated, your LapBand surgeon will closely monitor your progress and your diet following surgery. This is not only done to examine the risk of complications, but to make adjustments. It is common for the LapBand to be adjusted in the weeks or month following surgery. Different patients have different needs in terms of band size. For that reason, do not be alarmed if an adjustment is required. Lucky, this is done with the use of a thin needle and saline. You will not need to undergo surgery.
So, there you have it. You now know what is expected of you post-surgery. If you do not feel as if you can spend weeks on an all liquid diet, do not give up hope. Meet with a dietician and start making small changes to your diet. Not only will you better prepare your body for the LapBand surgery, but you may also find that you dont need it to lose weight!
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LapBand versus Diet and Exercise
Are you severely obese? If so, you may be an ideal candidate for LapBand surgery. A consultation with a qualified surgeon is recommended. Before scheduling that appointment, take the time to compare your options. To get started, compare the LapBand surgery with diet and exercise. Which weight loss approach is best for you?
Unfortunately, the LapBand system is costly. In some instances, select insurance providers will cover all or a portion of the costs. If not, the surgery averages between $15,000 and $20,000 in the United States. Even if you do not have this money, it is still possible to pay for the LapBand surgery. Many patients opt for personal loads, credit card payments, payment plans, or the traditional method of saving first.
As for the cost of exercise, it can be free. Unfortunately, this is something that many do not realize. Yes, you can pay $25 or more a month for a gym membership, but it isnt required. In fact, you dont even need a treadmill. Those who are obese are urged to start with walking. You can do this outside or in a local shopping mall free of charge. After time, you can upgrade to more strenuous exercises. If you dont have the money for a treadmill or gym membership, invest $10 in a set of weights or an exercise video.
Unlike dieting, exercising isnt free, but it can be affordable. Your two most expensive options are organic foods and diet foods. Instead, just watch your eating. By opting for a small cup of grapes, as opposed to two Little Debbie cake snacks, you will lose weight by reducing calorie intake.
In terms of results, LapBand produces the quickest results. After undergoing surgery, weight loss will happen over time. With that said, patients tend to experience a significant weight loss in the first month. This is due to the all-liquid diet. Weight gain is common when solid foods are reintroduced, but long-term weight loss is still possible with healthy food choices.
Diet and exercise work, but the weight loss will take longer. The initial weight loss with diet and exercise is water. If you have never exercised before, you will start to notice a change in as little as week. You may be surprised what a daily walk can do for your health and weight. By cutting foods that are high in fats and calories, weight loss will occur. Remember, you will lose weight, but the process will take longer, when compared to the LapBand.
The LapBand has increased in popularity in the United States. It was first approved for use in 2001. Due to its success rate and low risk of complications, it is one of the fastest growing procedures. Although there is a lower risk of complications, when compared to other weight loss surgeries, there is always risk involved. These risks can include complications, such as band slippage, stomach erosion, regurgitation, and death. In most cases, if you are at a high risk for complication, medical professionals advise against the LapBand.
In terms of safety and complications, diet and exercise are more natural weight loss methods. As for diet, as long as you consume healthy foods that you are not allergic to, no complications or side effects will be experienced. In term of exercise, those suffering from severe forms of obesity should develop an exercise plan with a medical professional, such as a primary care physician or trainer. This should reduce the risk of exercise related injuries.
The LapBand system isnt right for everyone. Most doctors have strict criteria that must be met before surgery is decided on. For example, most surgeons operate on those between the ages of 18 and 60, those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) rating of 40 or more, and those with a clear understanding of the necessary diet restrictions. For that reasons, not everyone is an ideal candidate. This means that just because you want to undergo the LapBand surgery, it does not mean that you can.
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