Lap Band Surgery is a type of bariatric surgery used to promote weight loss. The Lap-Band is an adjustable silicone band that is implanted near the top part of the stomach during a laparoscopic surgical procedure. Such surgery is designed to be minimally invasive. The procedure is designed to reduce food intake.
During the surgery, a small device called the reservoir or port is implanted under the skin of the abdomen. The port is connected to the Lap-Band by tubing, and it allows the surgeon to adjust the tightness of the band from time to time for six months after the surgery.
Because the surgery is less invasive than open surgery, the hospital stay is usually no more than a day or two. Some Lap-Band patients are discharged the same day as the surgery.
The Lap-Band promotes weight loss by restricting the amount of food your stomach can comfortably hold. You will feel full after just a small amount of solid food. However, the success of the Lap-Band procedure depends upon the motivation and cooperation of the patient. It is possible to undermine the benefits of the procedure with poor eating and drinking choices.
Ultimately the success of the procedure will rely on the patient’s willingness to change some eating habits. After the surgery, you should eat three small meals per day with no snacking between meals. The meals should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. You should completely avoid high-calorie drinks like fruit juice, sodas and milkshakes.
Compared to gastric bypass surgery, the Lap-Band procedure is less invasive and it typically promotes faster weight loss. Gastric bypass patients often require hospital stays of two nights or longer.
Lap-Band patients can expect to lose between two and three pounds per week, depending on your commitment to better eating choices and regular exercise. Many Lap-Band patients report significant improvement in their appearance, health and energy level after the surgery.
There are several types of bariatric surgery, including lap band, gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery. Dr. Velarde performs minimally invasive robotic surgery using the da Vinci Surgical Robot, which allows an increased range of motion and more precise movements.
In Brevard County, Florida, Dr. Diego Velarde at the Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute in Merritt Island has over ten years of clinical practice and specializes in bariatric surgery. His expertise and commitment to his patients is highlighted on the cover of current issue of 2015 Fall issue of Viera MD magazine. His commitment to whole life balance and comprehensive health is second to none.