The LapBand is a surgical procedure that has increased in popularity in the United States. It is one of the fastest growing weight loss procedures in the country. Despite its success and popularity, not all individuals are ideal candidates.

While you may find some variances, most surgeons base their decision on common eligibility criteria. This criteria states that those between the ages of 18 and 60 and those 100 pounds overweight are perfect candidates for the LapBand system. Health will also be taken into consideration. Weight exceptions may be made for those with obesity related complications, such as asthma or diabetes.

If you are interested in undergoing the LapBand surgery, your first step is to schedule a consultation appointment with your doctor. This consultation appointment may involve meeting with your family doctor or a referral may lead you to LapBand surgeon. Either way, your consultation appointment will determine whether the LapBand procedure is right for you. But, what if it isnt?

If you arent deemed an ideal candidate for LapBand surgery, you may honestly feel as if you hit a road block. You may feel as if you have exhausted all of your options. Yes, this may be true, but know that you do have many other choices.

Look for another LapBand surgeon. Despite the fact that each LapBand surgeon has eligibility requirements, some are more flexible than others. For example, if you are 85 pounds overweight, but suffer from diabetes, it is possible to find a surgeon who will perform the procedure. This is because most cases of diabetes disappear with weight loss. Some surgeons believe this is worth the risk.

Start eating healthy. Those who suffer from obesity typically have a problem with their diets. This problem tends to involve the consumption of foods that are high in fats and calories. Restricting your diet can result in weight loss. Unfortunately, diet restrictions are not easy. If you opt for this weight loss alternative, it will take a lot of time, trial and error, and patience.

Schedule an appointment with a nutrician. These individuals are knowledgeable on the subjects of food, health, and weight loss. If you have spent years consuming foods that are high in sugar, fat, and calories, you may not know which foods are right for you or how to start the transition to healthy eating. A professional can help you develop the best eating plan to fit your needs.

Start exercising. Diet, when combined with exercise, is the most natural way to lose weight. If you are obese, as opposed to overweight, exercise may be something you want to avoid. You may have unpleasant visions of hours on the treadmill or stares at the gym. The good news is that these visions do not have to become reality. Exercise can be something as simple as parking in the back of the parking lot so that you can walk more. After you start to see a small weight loss and gain confidence, incorporate more extensive workouts into your day.

Examine other weight loss surgeries. The LapBand procedure is just one of the weight loss surgeries performed in the United States. So, you do have other alternatives. Unfortunately, Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RGB) and Biliopancreatic Diversion (extensive gastric bypass) procedures have more risks and complications. This is due to stomach stapling, as opposed to the use of an adjustable LapBand. In most instances, if you are deemed ineligible for the LapBand, you are likely to receive the same response. Of course, it wont hurt to inquire.

Discuss alternatives with your doctor. Once you hear that you are not an ideal candidate for the LapBand system, you may want to run out of the office in frustration. Instead, stay and ask your doctor about alternatives. He or she will likely suggest exercise and diet restrictions, but still ask. Following the recommendations of a professional healthcare provider is the best and safest way to lose weight.

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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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Those who suffer from severe or morbid obesity often opt for the LapBand surgery. With surgery, an adjustable gastric band, known as the LapBand, is used to reduce stomach size. This can assist with weight loss. Although deemed a successful and relatively safe way to lose weight, there are risk and complications.

When researching the LapBand system, you will see safety as an advantage. Yes, this is true. With that said, it is important to remember that the LapBand procedure is a surgery. Although no stomach stapling is involved, like with traditional gastric bypass surgeries, there are still risks. All surgical procedures, no matter how large or small, carry some dangers.

Unfortunately, those who suffer from obesity are more likely to experience surgery related complications. This seems like a lose lose situation. You are obese. After all, that is why you are seeking weight loss surgery. It is important to follow all doctor recommendations and choose a quality and certified surgeon. When you do so, your risks of LapBand complications are drastically reduced.

In terms of complications, most occur in the days or weeks following surgery. One complication or side effect of the LapBand system is regurgitation. This is caused by the blockage of food. Luckily, it is easy to avoid. Take small bites, wait before eating a second bite, eat slowly, chew food, and stop eating when full. These steps can reduce the risk of regurgitation; however, it may be due to surgical complications. If regurgitation occurs, no matter what steps you take, speak to your doctor. Your LapBand may be too tight.

Another complication of LapBand surgery is band slippage. Slippage is rare, but it can occur. In most cases, you will notice pain and discomfort. You may even find it difficult to sallow liquids, let alone eat food. As previously stated, slippage of the LapBand is rare, but contact your doctor immediately if you feel it may be an issue. If not treated, complete obstruction can occur.

Acid reflux is another common side effect of the LapBand system. Acid reflux leads to the production and buildup of acid in the stomach. The most common sign is heartburn. Although many individuals experience bouts of heartburn, including those who havent had surgery, acid reflux should not be ignored. It is a sign that your band may need adjusting.

Although not necessarily considered a dangerous complication, no weight loss is a complication of surgery. It has to do with band positioning. It is common for adjustments to be made following surgery. If you are not experiencing the weight loss anticipated by your surgeon, speak to him or her. An adjustment to the LapBand is needed. Luckily, this should not involve surgery. A thin needed and saline is used for LapBand adjustments.

As previously stated, LapBand adjustments are common. For that reason, they are not technically considered a risk or complication. Each patients weight loss needs vary and changes overtime. For that reason, expect to have your band adjusted. Do not fret when it is suggested.

As a recap, all surgical procedures have some form of risk and complication. With that said, you may take comfort in knowing that many studies have shown the LapBand is a relatively safe weight loss surgery. The risk of morality, minor and major complications is lower than with alternatives.

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