When it comes to weight loss surgery, there are a number of different options available. From gastric bypass to the LAP-BAND®, it’s hard to decide which procedure is right for you. However, the LAP-BAND procedure offers many benefits over other forms of bariatric surgery.
At Snow Bariatric Center in Fort Worth and Flower Mound, Texas, Dr. Robert Snow provides various forms of weight loss assistance when you’re overweight or obese. Dr. Snow is a specialist in bariatric surgery and offers state-of-the-art techniques, such as the LAP-BAND, when your weight affects your health.
The LAP-BAND is a minimally invasive form of bariatric surgery that restricts the amount of food you eat at each meal. This is achieved by an adjustable band that Dr. Snow surgically places around the top portion of your stomach.
The band that’s placed around your stomach creates a small pocket at the top of the organ. This separates your stomach into two separate compartments, with the food entering the smaller of the two.
This small compartment allows you to feel full on much less food, so you consume significantly fewer calories per day, allowing you to successfully lose weight.
The food you eat drops into the lower compartment of your stomach and gets digested as it normally would.
If you’re looking to get healthier and lose a significant amount of weight, the LAP-BAND is a great option for a number of reasons. Not only does it help you shed unwanted pounds, it has a variety of other benefits as well, including:
Dr. Snow uses minimally invasive techniques to perform the LAP-BAND procedure. This means only a few small incisions are needed to insert the band, and you have a much shorter recovery period than you would with other forms of bariatric surgery.
The LAP-BAND is a minimally invasive form of bariatric surgery, which means less risk of infection and other complications after your procedure.
The LAP-BAND system doesn’t require removal of any part of your stomach or rerouting your nutrients to help you lose weight. You won’t have any problems absorbing essential vitamins and nutrients after you have the procedure.
Once you begin to lose weight with the LAP-BAND, your quality of life greatly increases. Not only will you feel better about yourself, your health will improve as well.
Untreated obesity heightens your risk for numerous chronic diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Losing even a small amount of weight takes excess pressure off your joints, and lowers your risk of life-threatening problems.
The LAP-BAND is also adjustable to help you lose weight at your own pace. You can also have it removed later on if you’d like. This makes it a great option to lose weight for good, without the stress and complications of more invasive bariatric procedures.
If you’re obese and looking to lose weight, Dr. Snow evaluates you for bariatric surgery. There are two main requirements you need to meet to be considered for LAP-BAND surgery.
The first requirement is a body mass index, or BMI, over 40. This BMI number is associated with dangerous health issues. If you meet this requirement and have tried to lose weight without success before, you’re an optimal candidate for the LAP-BAND procedure.
You may also be a candidate for this procedure if you have a BMI of 35, and have associated health problems. These health issues include diabetes, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea.
The second requirement is that you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery. Dr. Snow and our team evaluate your health before considering you for bariatric surgery. This includes a physical exam, blood work, and possibly imaging of your stomach before he consents you for surgery.
You’ll also need to quit smoking before your procedure. The same is true if you drink excessive amounts of alcohol or use drugs. You’ll need to be in optimal health for the procedure, as it cuts down on complications or infection.
If you’re interested in learning how the LAP-BAND can help you achieve your weight loss goals, call one of our offices in Texas today. You can also request an appointment online using the booking tool on our website.
