Gastric Band Care

In the past, Lap-Bands® were a common wight loss procedure but that is no longer the case. A moderate to large number of band patients experienced insufficient weight loss and eventual issues involving erosion, slippage, prolapse, reflux, dilatation, food swallowing issues, respiratory issues and general intolerance. Nowadays, bands are mostly removed and/or converted from a device-driven surgery to a true metabolic weight loss surgery like Bypass or Sleeve. Since a band is a silicone medical device it does have a limited lifespan, similar to other implantable devices. If you are a patient with a Lap-Band® that is causing issues and poor weight loss maintenance or if you are happy with your band and it is working well, it is advisable see a bariatric professional for evaluation to ensure its safety. This is typically done by X-ray.

When Is it Time to Have Weight Loss Surgery?

Questions to Ask Yourself About Bariatric Surgery

Losing weight isn’t easy. And if the weight returns, it can feel like, “What’s the point in dieting?” It doesn’t matter how you got to this point or why the world we live in makes it so easy to be overweight. If you’re reading this article, then you’re probably thinking about what you can do to make a dramatic change in your weight and your life.

Weight loss surgery is a commitment to yourself to living a better life. But how do you know if it’s time, or if you’re okay with life as usual? Spend some time to think about your answers to the following questions.

Questions to ask yourself

Do I struggle with health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea?
Do I feel like people see or treat me differently because of my weight?
Is my weight standing in the way of getting a job or keeping a job?
How many ways have I tried to lose weight? Is it working?
How do I feel about the way I look in photos?
Does my weight affect things I can do with my family?
Am I willing to make changes that can help me keep weight off?

Do you qualify for weight loss surgery?

Generally speaking, you may qualify for bariatric surgery if you have:

Body Mass Index (BMI) or 40 or more
BMI over 35 with serious obesity-related health conditions, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes
Tried many ways to lose weight, only to regain the weight back
No alcohol or drug addiction
Obesity that is not related to an endocrine condition

Explore Weight Loss Surgery Options

Our accredited bariatric team is available to talk through medical weight-loss services that are right for you. Why weight? Weight loss surgery could be the answer to your questions about what it will take to get to the life you want to live.

Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.

Sources:

National Institutes of Health, “Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of obesity.”

Obesity Action Coalition