How to Talk to a Loved One about LapBand Surgery

In many aspects, obesity is referred to as a disease. This is because some suffering from obesity cannot change their lifestyle. Some do not have the needed determination, others have tried healthy eating and exercise without the right results. This is when many opt to give up. If you are related to one of those individuals, you may want to help. One approach you should examine is that of LapBand surgery.

LapBand surgery is the fastest growing weight loss surgery in the United States. It was introduced in 2001 and its popularity continues to grow. What makes the LapBand system the most preferred weight loss surgery in the United States? Its advantages. These advantages include a short recovery period and low risk of complications. These advantages are due to the LapBand system. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, an adjustable gastric band is used to reduce the stomach size.

Since the LapBand surgery comes highly rated and recommended, you may want to suggest it to an obese loved one, but how?

First, it is important to learn about the surgery. Not everyone is an ideal candidate. Do not suggest it as an option without first knowing if your loved one will qualify. So will they? Your best option is to start researching. You can do so online. The LapBand surgery is discussed in detail on many medical websites.

Another ideal approach is to speak with your own doctor. Approach your primary care physician and express your concern for your loved one. Your doctor should take the time to discuss the LapBand procedure with you. They will also outline the common criteria that most surgeons use to determine legibility.

Speaking of those requirements, on average, most doctors will only operate on patients between the ages of 18 and 60. Being overweight isnt enough. Many surgeons use LapBand surgery as a last resort; therefore, those with severe to morbid obesity are better candidates. On average, patients have Body Mass Index (BMI) rating of 40 or more. Most importantly, is drive and determination. The LapBand itself will not result in weight loss, it is the band combined with diet restrictions.

Once you are sure that your family member will likely qualify as a LapBand patient, it is time to start the conversation. You may opt for a group discussion. This is ideal in cases where the parent is obese. Discussing the LapBand surgery with an obese relative in a group does have risks. Your loved one may feel that everyone is gaining up on them. For that reason, your concerned group should only contain immediate family members.

You also have the option of discussing LapBand surgery as a private matter. For example, if your sister is suffering from severe obesity, approach her one-on-one. Explain your concerns and suggest the LapBand surgery. When doing so, have more than just your word. Documents printed from the internet or LapBand brochures from a medical office are recommended.

As previously stated, LapBand is often used as a last resort. If your loved one is suffering from morbid obesity, they may have come to terms with their health. Certain guidelines may be in place. For example, they may have a will or already assigned a power of attorney. If that person is you, speak to your loved ones physician. In most cases, doctor patient confidently prevents too much information from being disclosed, but no harm can come from making an inquiry.

Regardless of which approach you take, use extreme caution. Be kind and gentle. The wrong approach can lead to serious consequences, including a hurtful family dispute.

PPPPP

Word Count 597

Tags: Adjustable Gastric Band, attorney, Being Overweight, Bypass Surgery, Care Physician, Common Criteria, disease, Doctor Approach, Doctors, Gastric Bypass Surgery, Healthy Eating, Lapband Procedure, Lapband Surgery, Last Resort, Legibility, loved ones physician, Medical Websites, Morbid Obesity, obesity;, Popularity, Primary Care, Recovery Period, severe obesity, Stomach, Suffering From, surgery, United States;, Weight Loss Surgery —

The LapBand is a surgical procedure in the United States that has and is rapidly increasing in popularity. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, where stomach cutting and stapling is involved, an adjustable gastric band is used. This not only lowers the risk of complications, but it shortens the recovery process. What isnt to love about the LapBand?

Despite the fact that the LapBand system is a safe and effective way to lose weight, it is important to learn about the procedure. That is why research is recommended. Before asking about the procedure and before going under the knife, make sure you have no unanswered questions.

So, how can you research the LapBand surgery?

The easiest way to research the LapBand system is to turn to the internet. Online, you will find many medical websites, as well as the official website for the LapBand system. These websites are your best sources of information. To get started, perform a standard internet search.

When should you use the internet to research the LapBand surgery? As soon as it enters your mind as an option. For starters, not all individuals are candidates for surgery. If you are overweight, as opposed to obese, you may not find a surgeon who is willing to perform the procedure. In most instances, LapBand surgeons prefer patients who are 100 pounds overweight or those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) rating of 40 or higher. A few exceptions to this rule may be made, but it is rare.

Essentially, researching the common eligibility requirements used by most LapBand surgeons will enable you to determine right away your standing. Of course, you can still contact a surgeon for a consultation appointment, but you have a good idea of what to expect. By turning to the internet right away, you can later prevent disappointment when you are not deemed an ideal candidate for surgery.

As previously stated, the LapBand surgery is considered a safe and effective surgery. With that said, it is still a surgery. This means there will always be risks. You need to familiarize yourself with those risks. The most damaging being death. Research online will also show that your risk of complications during surgery can be significantly reduced by opting for a qualified, Board Certified Surgeon and by following all instructions provided.

The internet is a nice source of information when first considering the LapBand procedure. The best research approach is to meet with a LapBand surgeon. Schedule a consultation appointment. Here is where your eligibility will be determined. If you are a good candidate for the LapBand system, ask questions. To get started, ask about diet restrictions.

Diet restrictions are an important component of losing weight with the LapBand system. Not only that, it reduces the risk of complications during and after surgery. Before deciding on the LapBand, review these restrictions. For example, you are required to consume an all-liquid diet in the first two to three weeks. Can you do this? Know before going under the knife.

As a recap, the LapBand surgery has helped thousands of patients successfully lose weight and lead a healthier life. With that said, do not go into surgery without knowledge. The internet and schedule a complication with a Board Certified Surgeon to determine your eligibility, review the risks, and outline dietary restrictions you will be subjected to.

PPPPP

Word Count 556

Tags: Adjustable Gastric Band, Board Certified Surgeon, Body Mass, Body Mass Index, Body Mass Index Bmi, Bypass Surgery, candidate for surgery, Consultation Appointment, Disappointment, Eligibility Requirements, Exceptions, Gastric Bypass Surgery, Instances, internet search;, LapBand surgeon, Lapband Surgery, Love, Medical Websites, Popularity, Risk, Sources Of Information, Starters, Stomach Stapling, surgeon, surgery, Unanswered Questions, United States; —