Lap-Band Orange County

When to Consider Lap-Band in Orange County

Lap-Band first becomes a viable option for weight loss after you’ve tried other methods of shedding unwanted pounds with only short-term success. The body mass index (BMI) requirement is slightly lower for patients who have at least one obesity-related condition, an exception permitted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As a general guideline, preferred candidates for gastric banding must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Not be an excessive drinker or smoker

• Not be suffering from a disease that caused the weight gain
• Not currently be pregnant

You must also be committed to making long-term dietary and lifestyle changes, some of which will start in advance of the procedure. During your consultation to discuss the surgery, you’ll be encouraged to ask questions so you’ll know what’s involved with the procedure to help you determine if it’s a solution you’re comfortable with before moving forward.

Preparing for Lap-Band Surgery

If it’s determined that you are a suitable candidate for the Lap-Band procedure, there are steps you’ll want to take to prepare for the surgery. In advance of your procedure, take time to educate yourself beyond the basics of what’s involved with Lap-Band surgery itself. It’s just as important to know what you’ll need to do to prepare both physically and mentally.

Preparation extends to letting your loved ones know what you’ll be going through and what assistance you may need in the form of initial help around the house during your recovery and emotional support as you change your way of thinking about food. Pre-surgery preparations extend to:

• Having a supply of foods you’ll need during your recovery on hand; including broths and other clear liquids
• Buy necessary medical supplies, including over-the-counter medications for pain and bandages to redress the surgery site
• Purchase vitamins and supplements recommended by your doctor to make up for any nutritional deficiencies from your initial liquid/soft-food diet
• Research recipes that will fit into your new diet

During Lap-Band Surgery

The operation itself is usually performed as a minimally invasive procedure under general anesthesia with a series of small incisions. The gastric band will be carefully placed around the upper part of your stomach. Saline is added to the band to tighten it, which will make your stomach smaller. The amount of saline can be further adjusted if the band is too tight. You will have to recover from the surgery itself for about four to six weeks before the band is adjusted for weight loss.

The exact process and what you should expect to experience will vary from one patient to the next. Your doctor will go over all of this with you.

After Lap-Band Surgery

The most important thing to do after your Lap-Band surgery is to follow your surgeon’s instructions. This typically includes only eating and drinking what’s recommended during the suggested times, refraining from heavy lifting, and doing an appropriate level of exercise. You may also have a range of emotions after your surgery, which is perfectly normal. Your surgeon will explain what you’re likely to experience afterwards so you’ll better understand what to expect. It’s also a good idea to:

• Avoid sugars, fats, soda, and alcohol
• Get used to eating only when you feel hungry
• Stay hydrated; although it’s best to avoid drinking water about a half-hour before and after each meal so you’re not too full to eat

The exact direction that your doctor will provide after your procedure needs to be followed carefully. These instructions are tailored to your experience and your health and are designed to help you minimize risks of complications.

Life Beyond Lap-Band Surgery

While it will take some time to reach your intended weight goal, the success rate of the procedure is remarkably high, with 90 percent of patients fitted with a band achieving the expected results. You will likely reach a point where you naturally eat smaller portions. Odds of long-term post-surgery success may be further increased by:

• Being mindful of eating in social settings
• Adopting a comfortable exercise routine
• Making smarter decisions when selecting food
• Getting support from friends, co-workers, and family members

A 14-year study on gastric band surgery found it to be a safe and efficient weight loss procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon. If you think you may be a candidate for, you’ll undergo an initial evaluation that will include a discussion of previous weight control attempts and a review of your health history. A comprehensive review of surgical weight loss studies found that procedures such as adjustable gastric banding often result in the improvement or elimination of obesity-related issues — results you may see if you’re committed to the procedure and adhere to the follow-up instructions and recommendations.

To learn more about Lap-Band in Orange County, as well as other weight loss surgery options, contact our office today. We can schedule a free consultation and are happy to answer any questions that you might have about bariatric surgery, preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery, and more. We look forward to helping you start on the path toward a healthier version of yourself.