How to Decide if LAP-BAND Weight Loss Surgery is Right for You

Tuesday, 12 May 2009 10:34

Many factors should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not weight loss surgery is right for you. Learning about the benefits and risks of weight loss surgery will help you decide the next step towards meeting your personal health goals.
Before weighing all the pros and cons, find out if you are an ideal candidate for weight loss surgery like the LAP-BAND procedure. If your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 40, other diets and weight loss methods haven't worked for you, and you know you can remain committed to following the guidelines that come with life after weight loss surgery, then you may be an ideal candidate. Talking with your physician or a LAP-BAND specialist can help you learn more about your personal health and if you qualify for the surgery.

Benefits

The biggest benefit of LAP-BAND weight loss surgery is obviously weight loss — it is not unusual for patients to lose about 50-60% of their total body weight following the procedure, according to WebMD. The percentage of weight loss achieved is dependent on how many pounds the patient needs to lose and other factors, such as exercise regime and how closely the patient follows eating guidelines.

Other benefits besides weight loss include a lowered intensity or the elimination of several illnesses and health complications, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and shortness of breath.

Many patients also report that their level of happiness and satisfaction with life greatly improves as their percentage of weight loss continues to grow. Greater self-confidence and self-esteem usually also very common after weight loss.

Complications

Many health risks, both physical and psychological, can also arise because of LAP-BAND weight loss surgery. As with any invasive surgery, risks include infection and extreme physical discomfort. Other complications related to the surgery may include hernias, nausea, vomiting, blood clots, ulcers, and heart attacks. Although these are somewhat rare (WebMD reports that about 10% of patients have some sort of complications after surgery), they still need to be taken into consideration.

Another physical complication that many fail to contemplate before LAP-BAND surgery is the amount of excess skin they may end up with after the surgery. This excess skin is the result of the skin being slowly stretched to contain the extra weight that was being carried. For many who have more than 100 pounds to lose, additional surgery to remove excess skin may be required.

In addition to physical complications, LAP-BAND surgery often leads to unexpected changes in relationships with friends or family members. Some may be jealous of the weight loss or unable to understand why surgery was needed. It is important to have a close circle of loved ones who can provide support. Sitting down with the people closest to you to talk about the surgery before it happens is the best way to make sure that everyone is educated about your decision and what will happen after the surgery.

The patient should also be prepared to deal with psychological ramifications of the surgery. Self-image and body image may also begin to change once the weight comes off. For those who have been obese for many years, not being able to indulge in emotional eating after the surgery may result in depression and anxiety, according to a July 2008 article in The Times, a major United Kingdom newspaper. Attention from the opposite sex — both positive and negative — may also be difficult to deal with in a constructive way.

For many patients, counseling, support groups, and continued check-ups with their LAP-BAND doctor or clinic may help them continue their weight loss journey in a way that is healthy for both body and mind.

In Conclusion

Deciding whether or not LAP-BAND weight loss surgery is right for you is ultimately a personal choice that is between you and your doctor. Being prepared for all the benefits and consequences that come with life after the surgery is crucial towards maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.