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Clinically obese patients are at increased risk for various
health problems. It contributes to the increased morbidity
and mortality associated with various health-related problems.
Consequences of obesity:
•
Health risks
•
Risks to psychological and social well-being
•
Difficulties in day-to-day living
Why do I
need surgery for obesity?
Some individuals who have clinically severe obesity are
refractory to medical treatments and exercises etc. Surgery
has become an acceptable option for treatment of clinically
severe obesity. In the recent years the number of patients
having surgical treatment for severe obesity has increased.
There are different types of surgical options for severely
obese patients who wish to achieve long-term weight control.
• Malabsorptive procedure – shortens the digestive
tract
•
Restrictive procedure – reduces how much the stomach
can hold
•
Combined procedure – both shortens the digestive
tract and reduces how much the stomach can hold
Some of the types of surgeries for obesity are:
• Gastric Bypass (GBP)
•
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)
•
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
•
Adjustable Lap-Band
 Listed below are some of the advantages and disadvantages
of the procedures:
Lap-Band Procedure
Advantages:
• Least invasive approach
•
No stomach stapling or cutting or intestinal rerouting
•
Adjustable
•
Reversible
•
Lowest operative complication rate
•
Lowest mortality rate
•
Low malnutrition risk
Disadvantages:
• Slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass
•
Regular follow-up critical for optimal results
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Advantages:
• Simpler procedure than the gastric bypass
•
Lower risk of leakage or intestinal obstruction as compared
to gastric bypass
Disadvantages:
• Rarely performed through minimally invasive approach
•
Requires cutting and stapling of stomach
•
Slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass
•
Nonadjustable
•
Staple line disruption results in weight regain
Gastric Bypass
Advantages:
• Rapid initial weight loss
•
Minimally invasive approach is possible
•
Longer experience in USA
•
Higher total average weight loss reported than with Lap-Band
procedure or VBG
Disadvantages:
•
Cutting and stapling of stomach and bowel is required
•
More operative complications than with Lap-Band procedure
•
Portion of digestive track is bypassed, reducing absorption
of essential nutrients
•
Complications due to malabsorption reported
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Nonadjustable
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Higher mortality rate then Lap-Band procedure pr VBG
How does the Lap-Band procedure work?
 A silicon band is placed around the upper part of the stomach.
A pouch is created. Your stomach holds less food. You
feel full faster and longer.
The Lap-Band is adjustable – the plastic band around
the stomach is hollow. It is filled with a saline solution.
By adding or removing, your surgeon can make your band
tighter or looser. Adjustments are made to meet individual
weight loss needs.
You will feel more satisfied with small amount of food.
Our health care team will help you learn to eat small,
nutritious meals. You can still enjoy meals and eating
out with family and friends – you just won’t
eat as much as you once did. As you lose weight and are
able to move around better, our healthcare team will help
you begin and exercise program. From time to time, your
band may need to be adjusted to optimize weight loss.
More than 95,000 people have Lap-Band around the world.
June 2001 – Lap-Band was approved by the FDA (Food
and Drug Administration) for use in the United States
How can weight loss change your life?
Improvement of health problems, including:
• Diabetes (type 2)
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High blood pressure
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Asthma
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GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
•
Sleep apnea
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Problems with fertility and pregnancy
•
Depression
Improvements psychological and social well-being.
Who can be considered for Lap-Band?
Your surgeon may recommend the Lap-Band procedure if:
• Your BMI is at least 40
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You weigh at least 100 pounds more than your ideal body
weight
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Your BMI is at least 35 and you are suffering from serious
health problems
•
You are at least 18 years old
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Have a history of being overweight
•
Have made serious attempts to lose weight but have had
only short-term success
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Do not have any other disease that could have caused you
to be overweight
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Are prepared to attend regular follow-up sessions and make
changes in your lifestyle
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Do not drink alcohol in excess
Source: INAMED Health
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