Lap band or gastric bypass

Bariatric surgery can help you get rid of excess fat of your body and helps in leading a healthy lifestyle. This could be either achieved by stapling a small portion of your stomach or by tying the stomach with a band.

Lap band and gastric bypass are the two surgical options for severely obese patients who have been unable to control weight through diet and exercise. Deciding between the two largely depends on your personal preference and a good knowledge about both surgeries.

Lap band surgery is a minimally invasive procedure requiring no stomach stapling or re-routing of internal organs The Lap band consists of a silicone ring that is placed around the top of the stomach giving it the shape of an hourglass. The resulting pouch dramatically reduces the functional capacity of the stomach. It is designed in such a way that it can be inflated or deflated at any time after operation. Lap band surgery can be adjusted, moved and has no requirement for permanent alteration to the body of the stomach or intestines, which makes it a better option to lose weight.

Gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch by dividing the stomach. The small intestine is divided and brought up to join the new stomach pouch. This allows the food go straight from the stomach pouch into the small intestine, which causes it to bypass the lower stomach and the duodenum. This reduces the amount of calories that the body absorbs.

The lap band surgery lasts around an hour and requires an overnight stay in the hospital. Gastric bypass surgery takes about four hours and you may have to stay three to five days in a hospital after surgery.

Weight loss is quicker in gastric bypass. With lap band surgery initial weight loss is slower than Gastric bypass, however over a 5-year period, weight loss outcome is similar in both.

In case of lap band, it is easy to remove the band and reverse the surgery, requiring only a laparoscopic procedure, after which the stomach usually returns to its normal pre-banded state, since it uses an inflatable saline filled strap that is wrapped around your stomach. A gastric bypass surgery can be reversed, but it should not, as it is very risky.

A gastric bypass cannot be adjusted, while a lap band can be adjusted by means of a port through the skin that the surgeon leaves just below the ribs. To tighten the lap band, the surgeons injects saline solution into it.

Gastric bypass surgery is more expensive than a Lap band surgery. While the cost of lap band surgery comes in between $15,000 to $20,000, gastric bypass costs $20,000 to $25,000.
Gather information like procedure, precautions, recovery period, reversibility and cost of both types of bariatric surgeries. This will help you make the most informed decision.

Obesity Is a Disease

The current standard for measuring Obesity is in context to body Mass Index
( BMI).To calculate BMI, the height of a person is taken in inches and multiplied by itself. Then, the weight in pounds is divided by height calculation. The person who has BMI exceeding 30 is considered obese and one with BMI of 40 or more is considered as Morbid obese.

The IRS (Internal Revenue Service, US department of treasury ) has declared obesity as a disease in April 2002, after strong recommendations from American Obesity Association. This allows the American taxpayers to deduct the cost of weight loss treatments prescribed by a doctor. Before the declaration, such costs treatment could be deducted only if it was prescribed by a doctor to treat another health condition.

But health programs, such as medicare do not reimburse for diet programs, nutritional counseling or drugs.

Both the medical practitioners and insurance industry people think Obesity as a personal drawback or behavioral issue or a personal choice as to not to exercise and reduce calorie intake

None the less, the fact remains that Obesity is the breeding ground for many potential disease such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, cancer, Gallstone, osteoporosis and many more. At the same time, Obese people may be perfectly healthy.

Some people are of the opinion that if Obesity was a disease it should have a cure. But one can come to normal weight only through personal responsibility and common sense. On the other hand, the fact that people do die from eating disorder cannot be ignored.

Contrary to this, some people suggest that Obesity is a disease just like Alcoholism. Earlier even alcoholism was not considered to be a disease but personal weakness. Many alcoholic people have got treatment and support for their condition as it has been declared as a serious disease.

The modern scientists say that Obesity is a complex disease in its own right.
In words of Arthur Frank, medical director of George Washington University’s Weight Management Program, “Obesity is a disease where there’s a disregulation of eating – just like diabetes is a disease where the system of controlling blood sugar is not functioning properly.”

If Obesity is declared as a disease (not only for tax purposes),it will open up insurance coverage to millions of Obese people who need treatment for weight problems and speed the approval of new diet drugs

However, obesity cannot be ignored. And most obese persons have a desire to lead a normal life. That’s where surgical options for curing obesity step in.

Options For Curing Obesity

Being obese can be a nightmare for anybody. Nowadays, there are many alternatives through which one can lose weight. Almost all of them are related to diet control and exercising the body.

The first advice for anyone who is obese on earth would be to stop eating fat laden food such as burgers, fries, cake etc. and replace it with fresh fruits and vegetables. It is advisable to consult a doctor if one is more than 50 pounds overweight. Breakfast should be eaten everyday, skipping it leaves one looking for less healthy food later in the day. Lunch and dinner should be light consisting of lean meat, cereals and vegetables. Initially the stomach will wobble but soon the body will start burning the fat muscles. Lower GI foods which releases sugar into the bloodstream such as meat, fish, eggs, most fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils etc help in losing weight. Healthy options such as protein tofu, skimmed milk puff rice are getting popular.

Scientists have now discovered the presence of a kind of ‘good’ fat called the brown fat in adult human beings. Earlier its presence was noted in babies only. This brown fat cells burn energy to generate heat, this leads to faster metabolism triggering rapid weight loss. Currently, experiments are going on with the mice and days are not far when production of brown fat can be possible in humans. No doubt it will be a long awaited cure for Obesity.

The second important thing is to do regular exercise. It doesn’t matter at what level one starts, as long as one starts. Initially it could be something one likes such as gardening, cycling or any other physical activity. Walk at every opportunity. Swimming and tennis are also considered to be good exercises. If one can afford to shed some money; personalized weight loss programs with personal instructors are also available in the market. These programs vary person to person and help them get to normal weight and healthy life.

Some researches suggest that only exercise is not a remedy to lose weight .A rigorous exercise of 3-5 hrs a week have no effect on weight of a person. Half of choccie bar is enough to undo all good work out of half an hour.
Nevertheless, diet control with exercise shows results after some time.

Obesity in children need special care. Children metabolism differs at different stages of growth. So whether he/she is really obese need to be ascertained by a health care provider. They should not be put to weight loss diet program unless recommended. Parents of the child must be supportive and should make him/her believe that they will be loved irrespective of their weight but have to lose weight as being obese is unhealthy.

Parents should encourage healthy eating habits. Serve them fresh fruits and vegetables rather than canned ones. Buy them fewer soft drinks and fatty snacks such as chips, cookies and candy .Healthy meals should be eaten together as a family, it helps children enjoy variety of foods.

Daily physical activities need to be encouraged. They should be also encouraged to join games and sports in school teams. Riding a bike, swinging, jumping rope, bouncing balls are good exercises. Be a good role model, find fun with children other than TV.

Homeopathy remedies and medicines are also available for curing obesity. It can be availed off after examination by a registered practitioner of homeopathic medicines

Slimming programs are also available which offer slimming diets which are low calorie diets. Such programs also include slimming drugs which lessen appetite and help fat absorption. One can also choose liquid diets or extremely low calorie diets under medical supervision.

Some natural Remedies for curing obesity are also available. Some of them are drinking lemon juice with honey on empty stomach, drinking water of soaked leaves of jujube (Indian plum),eating cabbage salad in meals, eating two ripe tomatoes for breakfast and others.

Herbal treatment for obesity include taking Triphal(herbal combination of amalaki,bibbitaki and haritaki) regularly. Shilajit and guggulu are also considered very beneficial by many people.

Bariatric Surgery, also called weight loss surgery is preferred by many people to cure obesity. It consists of one or more surgical alteration of the digestive organs to lose weight. Some of them are mentioned below. Gastric Bypass Or Roux-en-Y surgery is the most common form of laparoscopic surgery. This is recommended for morbid obese patients who are at least 100 pounds over their recommended weight. The surgery bypasses sections of the stomach and small intestine. Therefore less food is observed into our system. It shows immediate results. One year after surgery , weight loss can average 65% of the excess weight.

Lap-Band or Johnson & Johnson Band, also known as Gastric banding limits the quantity of food that can be contained in the stomach with the help of an inflatable silicon band. This band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This method includes less surgical trauma, less pain, a lower rate of complications and smaller scar. It may be removed later. This method is recommended for people who are at least 45 pounds over their normal weight.

The Intragastric Balloon (BIB) System does not involve surgery. Under the supervision of medical experts an intragastric balloon consisting of a soft silicon balloon is placed in the stomach and filled with sterile saline. The balloon induces a feeling of satiety and the person does not feel hungry. The balloon is removed after six months. The person now manages his weight loss under the supervision of medical experts.

Through Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery a person can reduce the size of the stomach. By stapling the stomach is reduced to the shape of a sleeve. The reduced size causes weight loss because less food can be eaten without any bypass of the intestinal malaobsorpton. People lose 60% of their excess body weight within 6 months of this surgery.
Other Specific types of weight loss surgery include biliopancreatic diversion(BPD), duodenal switch, Gastroplasty, jejunoileal bypass and silastic ring gastric bypass.

Whatever method one undertakes there is no doubt that curing obesity requires hard work and perseverance, that too over along period of time.

Surgical Options To Cure Obesity

There are several types of Surgery to cure obesity:

First category is Restrictive, which surgically reduces the stomach size to reduce amount of food intake. This includes Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (referred to in 70s and 80s as stomach stapling), Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and Laparoscopic Vertical Gastrectomy (Sleeve Resection).

The Second category is Malabsorption, which is surgical re-routing of the intestines leading to reduced absorption of the food consumed. This includes Jejuno-ileal Bypass (which is not done anymore) and Biliopancreatic Diversion (which is currently rarely done).

The Third category is a combination of Restrictive and Malbsorption procedures which reduces the size of the stomach in conjuction with bypassing some of the small intestine to create a weight loss surgery that works on both advantages. It includes Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (Proximal RNY), Fobi Pouch, Distal RNY, Mini Gastric Bypass and Duodenal Switch.

Other procedures are Gastric pacemaker and Gastric Balloon, neither of which are FDA approved and are still in the investigative process.

In VBG the stomach is stapled with surgical staples to half of its capacity. A silastic ring is inserted in the stoma to help prevent the stomach opening from stretching in size and also to prevent stenosis or a stricture of scar tissue from closing this opening. It restricts food intake and creates a feeling of satiety. The VBG was very popular in 1970-1990 – but long term results were poor at best. Over time the stomach stretched back to the original capacity and the staple lines eroded causing patients to regain all if not more of their weight.
Gastric banding limits the quantity of food that can be contained in the stomach with the help of an inflatable silicon band. This removable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach creating a smaller pouch close to the barrio receptors that sense fullness. This method includes less surgical trauma, less pain, a lower rate of complications and smaller scar.
In Laparoscopic Vertical (Sleeve) Gastrectomy the stomach is reduced to the shape of a sleeve and essentially ¾ of the stomach removed. The reduced size causes weight loss because less food can be eaten without any bypass of the intestinal malabsorption. People lose 60% of their excess body weight within 6 months of this surgery. This surgery is only recently done as a standalone surgery; historically the Vertical Gastrectomy was used as a first stage surgery in the super obese because of its low risk factor. Once the patient had lost 50% of their excess weight, a Duodenal Switch could then be performed to insure continued weight loss without the inherent surgical risks of performing a two stage surgery in the same session.

Gastric Bypass or Roux-en-Y surgery is the most common form of laparoscopic surgery. This is recommended for morbid obese patients who are at least 100 pounds over their recommended weight. The surgery bypasses sections of the stomach and small intestine creating significant weight loss through both restricted portions and malabsorbtion. There are several variations of the Laparoscopic RNY – Distal, Proximal and Fobi Pouch.

The Laparoscopic Proximal RNY (up to 150 cm of bypassed intestine with the Y at 75 cm) is the most researched procedure to date and sometimes called the ‘Gold Standard’ of weight loss surgery.

In the Distal RNY procedure, the Y limb connection is created down further than the traditional 75 cm. This longer limb bypass shortens the intestine available for the absorption of nutrients aiding in weight loss. This Distal RNY should only be performed on patients that will without questions have the ability and commitment to secure proper follow-up and will require supplements the rest of their lives.

The Fobi Pouch is a variation of the Proximal RNY in which a silastic ring is placed in opening between the stomach and the intestinal connection to preserve the integrity of the connection over time.

The Duodenal Switch is a hybrid procedure and the most technically challenging and highest risk weight loss surgical procedure. While offering substantial permanent weight loss, the risks are high and the long term complications malnutrition, chronic frequent stools along with flatulence and unpleasant odor make this surgery difficult to live with.

Mini Gastric Bypass has been condemned by the world’s top bariatric surgeons. Do not let the word ‘mini’ fool you. This is basically a rename of the abandoned loop gastric bypass performed in 1970. This procedure while creating good weight loss also creates severe stomach irritation because the stomach is bathed in bile and pancreatic enzymes. Long term effects of this procedure are stomach ulcers and esophageal cancers requiring surgical reversal.

The Intragastric Balloon (BIB) System does not involve surgery. Under the supervision of medical experts an intragastric balloon consisting of a soft silicon balloon is placed in the stomach and filled with sterile saline. The balloon induces a feeling of satiety and the person does not feel hungry. The balloon is removed after six months. This procedure seems to have many complications and is NOT FDA approved and still investigational.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Bariatric Surgery

Though Bariatric Surgery is considered very effective in treating obese people, it is not completely without risks. So caution should be applied while choosing a Bariatric Surgeon. It should be kept in mind that in any bariatric surgery the post operation monitoring of weight loss and health benefits goes on for a long time. So a long term relationship with surgeon and his team is implied.

The foremost requirement is going through the Bariatric Surgeon’s credentials, education history and experience. He should have spent one year enhancing his Laparoscopic general and bariatric surgery skills in addition to five years spent to study surgery. The Certified surgeons from the Board of American College of Surgeons have better credentials.

The next Certification to look for is the ASMBS(American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) Centre of Excellence certification, which is given for the Doctor as well as the Hospital. This certificate is a proof that the surgeon is up to date with the latest studies and is constantly learning more about Bariatric Surgery. And he has the right level of experience including a minimum of 125 procedures a year. The hospital facilities are specifically designed for bariatric patients.

The surgeon should discuss the benefits and risks of the surgery with the patients to keep them clear and well informed.

The surgeon should have a multi- disciplinary team consisting of well trained nursing staff, anesthesiologists, dietician, nutritionists, psychologists and exercise specialist. This surgery involves many pre and post operative procedures to be followed which are coordinated by this co-team of the surgeon.

The patient should also know that gastric bypass mortality rate is 1 in 200 and gastric band mortality rate is 1 in 1000.It helps to know whether the surgeon is under or at par with the national average.

Generally while one may look for a bariatric surgeon in one’s locality cheaper surgical options do let people consider getting bariatric surgery done from foreign countries. In some of the countries like Mexico, such surgeries have been done before it was done in America. But the patients have to confirm about insurance matters with their insurance companies and also see that it is economical.

Pre Operative Lap Band Diet

The decision to go in for lap band surgery affects diet, behavior and lifestyle. During the pre-operative period some surgeons demand weight loss up to 10% of body weight or no weight gain.

The size and condition of the liver prior to surgical placement of the band is of primary concern of the surgeon. An enlarged fatty liver is common among the morbidly obese patients and may obstruct the view or prevent the completion of the surgery. The specific diet is thus prescribed during the pre-operative period to shrink the size of the liver.

After the first pre-operative screening visit to the doctor certain food are immediately banned. They include bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, crackers, chips, or any other high calorie carbohydrates, snack food, cookies, cakes, pies, candy or sugar sweetened food.

The patient is required to follow some very simple rules of eating such as the food should be cut in small pieces and chewed thoroughly. Food should be eaten slowly and attention should be paid to signs of fullness. There should be no distractions while eating. There should be a gap of half an hour before and after the meal.

Just two weeks before the surgery, a diet of high protein drink and one meal a day is recommended. The number of drinks may vary. These protein drinks include Milk based High Protein-low sugar beverage such as Advance Shake (Walmart, GNC), Slim Fast (Hannafort), or Myoplex Lite or Carb Control. Another category of the protein drinks is Lactose free High Protein such as Isopure, Smartforme shakes which can be purchased online. . These are ready to drink formula and one can have it by mixing it in skimmed milk or water. The meal consists mainly of fruits and vegetables such as broccoli and lettuce. The vitamin supplements and loads of fluids are also essential.

One day before the surgery no solid food is allowed. The patient may have 5 Protein drinks and non-caloric liquids.

On the day of surgery patients do not eat or drink unless specified by the doctor.

Why Weight Loss Surgery Mexico is Best for You

Majority of people do not realize that they have gained a lot of weight until they see the number on the scale. And since it is very difficult to lose weight all by yourself, it may be a good idea to consider weight loss surgery Mexico to help jumpstart your weight reduction. Let’s face it, not everyone has the discipline and the time to exercise and diet. Besides, if you were 50 pounds overweight, it would take you a couple of months or years to lose them all. Anyway, Mexico is a good destination for weight loss surgery for variety for reasons. Below are some of them.

Weight loss surgery Mexico is lower in cost compared to weight loss operation in the US. In a time when there is a financial turmoil, you have to look for ways to bring down the cost, not only of your everyday needs, but also of your health requirements. Weight reduction is something that is important, especially if you are already obese, in order to prevent diabetes and other serious illnesses. Thus, you cannot delay such weight loss operation. There are so many Mexico weight loss centers and clinics to choose from so you can surely find one that will provide you with affordable weight loss surgery.

Another reason why you need to consider weight loss surgery Mexico is its proximity to the United States. Although there are other countries that also offer weight loss surgery, it is a better idea to get the services of Mexico weight loss centers and hospitals. Besides, there are also a lot of doctors in this Latin American country that studied in the US so you will surely find a cosmetic surgeon in Mexico that not only finished a medical degree in the US, but also has a doctor’s license in some states.

So if you need a weight loss surgery in order to be slimmer and healthier, you can always rely on Mexico weight loss centers. Not only will you be able to save a lot of money, you can also enjoy a vacation with your loved one, family, or friend in this majestic country. But before you fly to Acapulco or other top destinations in Mexico, you have to check out the doctor who will perform your operation. Make sure that all his or her credentials are verified. It may also be a good idea to get recommendations or referrals from friends who have had successful weight loss surgery Mexico.

The Importance of Weight Loss Surgery Mexico

For people who have been struggling with weight for a long time, looking for alternative ways, such as weight loss surgery Mexico, to shed some pounds may be an everyday obsession. However, the fat in your body will not melt by itself if you do not exert any effort in reducing your weight. If you have been trying so hard to shake off excess kilos on your thighs, buttocks, abdomen and arms for a long time now, then it may be the right time for you to consider undergoing weight loss surgery.

If you are just overweight and you need to contour the shape of your body, then the weight loss surgery Mexico option that you have is liposuction. This procedure is more concerned in minimizing fat in problem areas. There are even types of liposuction that are not invasive and can be done even during your lunch hour. However, if you are obese for some years now, simple liposuction may not be the best for you. In order to determine if you are an ideal candidate for weight loss surgery, you might want to consider the following tips.

Before you undertake weight loss surgery Mexico, you must determine if you are really unlikely to shed the excess pounds in your body through non-surgical means. If your answer is yes, then you can seriously consider weight loss surgery. Since all invasive procedures have risks, it is important that you are well informed about the procedure you are planning to take to help you reduce your excess weight. You need to be aware that you can be exposed to serious complications from such procedures. It may be a good idea to ask questions and explanations from your surgeon about what you are going to experience and what risks you will face by undergoing surgery. It is always wise to get services from Mexico weight loss clinics or institutions that have doctors who speak English fluently so that there will be no language barriers or misunderstandings.

Aside from complications due to weight loss surgery, another important factor that you need to ask yourself is the underlying reason why you have to undergo such an operation. If you think that you are just having Mexico weight loss procedure because of aesthetic reasons, then you should think twice before you go under the knife. However, if you are doing this primarily because of your health, then go ahead and have weight loss surgery Mexico.

POST OPERATIVE LAP BAND DIET

After surgery the surgeon recommends slow advance through varies stages of post operative lap band diet. The doctor monitors the healing process which takes 4 to 8 weeks. Since the food is eaten in very small amounts, it is important to have healthy food lest one may become malnourished.

The first week after surgery is known as the “clear liquid” stage. It consist of Jello, Popsicles, Crystal light, Koolaid,Water, Tea, Coffee, Chicken Broth, Beef Broth, Lipton Diet Green Tea, Fruit Juices and such others.

The second week after surgery is known as the “mushy” stage. It typically consist of Oatmeal,Yogurt,Scrambled Eggs, Cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, Creamed Soups, Cream of wheat, Tuna with Mayo and such others.

The third week consist of canned or such other food items which are soft and not crunchy. It consists of canned fruit in water, canned veggies, home grown veggies, bananas, canned chicken with Mayo. Bacon and sausages, grilled chase sandwich, any type of cereal, any type of fish or shellfish, pasta and rice.

The fourth week relatively has normal food such as Salad, Hamburger patty, hard cheese (cut up well and should be chewed well ), chicken breast, Pork chops, Lean cuts of beef (tenderloin medium cooked, cut up small and should be chewed well), apples (no skin), grapes and Melons.

After the fourth week depending on how the body responds and heals, all normal food is allowed. After the first month solid food is introduced. Some food which does not pass through the band easily causing discomfort and vomiting should be avoided. Some of them are asparagus stalks, broccoli stalks, Popcorn, coconut, dried fruits and white bread. Similarly high calorie foods such as sweets, cream, creamed foods, fried foods, fatty meats or alcohol should be avoided. Liquids that are high in Calories should also be avoided though they may pass easily through the band while adding more Calories to diet.
Since one is eating less and may not obtain all the vitamins and minerals one needs, it is advisable to take a multivitamin/mineral supplement be taken. Eating three small meals and exercise is a must for the success of this surgery.

When To Go In For Surgery To Cure Obesity

Have you tried diets and exercise programs without any positive results? If nothing worked, weight loss surgery may be the best option when it comes to losing weight. You might be a candidate for surgery if you have not been able to lose weight with diet, exercise and drugs.

Weight loss surgery is not for every one who is severely obese. Whether you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery or not is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. One of the most important measures of eligibility that your doctor will use is your body mass index (BMI) – a calculation based on your height and weight. Your BMI will classify you whether you are overweight, obese and severely obese and determine if you are a candidate for surgery or not.

The BMI measurement categories weight as follows-
BMI between 19 and 25-healthy
BMI between 25 and 30-overweight
BMI over 30-obese
BMI more than 40-severely obese
A person with a BMI of 40 or more is at a much higher risk of suffering from obesity-related disorders such as diabetes, reduced mobility and high blood pressure.
Surgery may be right for you if-
1.You are an adult (at least 18 years old)
2.Your BMI is 40 or more or your weight at least twice of your ideal weight
3.You have been overweight for more than 5 years
4.Your various attempt to lose weight had only short term results
5.You don’t drink alcohol in excess
6.You don’t have an illness that has caused you to be overweight.
7.You are committed to making changes in your lifestyle and diet

Your surgeon may consider whether surgery is right for you if your BMI is between 35 and 40 and you have a health related problem due to obesity. It is better to discuss these criteria with your doctor.

Weight loss surgery is a serious consideration, not a quick fix or easy option. This is a part of life- long weight management program that makes you more realistic to lose weight and maintain it afterwards.

Weight loss surgery reduces the amount of food you can eat by either reducing the size of your stomach or bypassing your stomach. There are various techniques of obesity surgery include stomach stapling, gastric banding, gastric bypass. Mainly there are two types of surgeries are done that can help you to lose weight-gastric band/lap band surgery and gastric bypass surgery and lap band surgery is one of the most advanced adjustable gastric banding systems approved by FDA.