Gastric band, also known as lap band, is one form of bariatric surgery that is used to help severely obese patients to lose weight. It works by having a silicone band wrapped around the top part of the stomach, essentially restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. This results in the patient having to eat less to feel full, and in turn consuming less food and gaining less weight.
Bariatric surgeries are highly recommended for severely obese people who have tried all other ways to lose weight like lifestyle changes and medication with no success. Those with health complications related to their obesity like diabetes and heart disease are also strongly encouraged to undergo these procedures if they meet the requirements, as they are very effective.
Gastric Band Surgery is Effective and Quick
Although more and more people are choosing other bariatric surgeries over gastric band in the last decade, it still remains as an effective and viable option. Gastric band surgery has several advantages as compared to its more popular alternatives, and is a great choice as long as the patient meets the requirements that allow for the surgery to be effective.
One of the best features of gastric band surgeries is that it is the least invasive procedure among other weight loss surgeries. This is because unlike the other procedures, this one does not require any cutting or removal of the stomach and intestines. As such, it is one of the quickest options, with most patients only having to stay in the hospital for less than 24 hours. Recovery time is also shorter, with most patients being able to return to work shortly after one to two weeks of rest.
Not having to physically alter the organs in the body also means that this procedure is completely reversible, and can be removed if needed. The band itself is also easily adjustable to meet the needs of the individual. Those who undergo gastric band procedures are also less likely to experience malnutrition since the digestive system’s ability to absorb food is not affected as in procedures like gastric bypass surgery.
Most importantly, gastric band surgery effectively helps with reducing excess body weight, with reports of up to 40 to 60 percent loss of excess weight. While the short-term results tend to be a bit slower as compared to other weight loss surgery options, overall results in the long-term have been proven to be highly successful. Follow-ups on the conditions of type 2 diabetic patients 10 years after their surgery revealed that they showed significant improvements in quality of life over the course the years.
As with all major operations, there are possible complications during and post-surgery, such as infections and haemorrhages. However, gastric band surgery has the lowest mortality rates and lowest risk of early surgical complications among bariatric procedures. But they do require frequent follow-ups to check for erosion or slippage of the silicone band, sometimes requiring adjustments or replacements.
So, although gastric band surgery is no longer as popular as it once used to be, it is still one of the most effective weight loss methods available that is relatively quick and safe. But gastric band surgery is not for everyone. For this option, being able to lead a strict and disciplined lifestyle is very crucial for its success. This includes a restricted diet, consistent exercise and regular medical follow-ups.
Handling Post-Surgery Lifestyle Changes
To prevent side effects like nausea and vomiting post-surgery, patients have to follow a special diet. This usually lasts for a month, with the first week consisting only liquids, the second week consisting of pureed foods, the third week moving on to soft foods, before finally going back to regular food. Even after that, good dietary habits have a big part to play in making sure long-term weight loss is effective.
Sounds like too much to handle? Not to worry. Apart from being more proactive and organized, aiming to live a minimalist lifestyle can help to make the transition into the post-op lifestyle a breeze. With so many more conditions to live by, it might sound like the opposite of a minimalistic approach. But take a look at it this way: a minimalist lifestyle is all about cutting out the unnecessary so that one can focus on more important things in life.
In this case, those who opt to undergo bariatric procedures are likely to have a clear goal in mind, be it to feel better in their own body, to live a longer life, or to be more confident about themselves. Living a minimalist lifestyle can help to filter out things that take up unnecessary time and resources so that more focus can be put on things that help in the long term weight loss journey, like preparing food and attending frequent follow-up appointments.
Consistent physical exercise is also a must for the success of this procedure. Most who opt for the surgical approach have negative experiences with exercise, since their bodies do not respond well. Minimalists suggest sticking to a simple routine, with emphasis on consistency. By living mindfully, eventually these lifestyle changes should no longer feel like chores, but part of an enjoyable lifestyle.
