Being overweight is often a chronic condition that is hard to treat with diet and exercise alone. According to the CDC, more than two-thirds of American adults are considered overweight, and more than one-third are considered obese. It is a serious medical issue, because weight related conditions — including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer — are some of the leading causes of preventable death. Furthermore, the estimated annual medical costs for people who are significantly overweight is approximately $1500 higher than for people of normal weight.
Anyone who is overweight likely knows that the best way to lose weight is by adopting a healthy eating plan, along with increased physical activity. But it’s not that simple or easy. The inability to lose weight is a complex health issue that results from a combination of causes and contributing factors. For people who have not been able to lose weight by other means, or who suffer from serious health problems related to carrying extra pounds, weight loss surgery — also called bariatric surgery — may be an option.
Three main types of weight loss surgery are most commonly used. All of them work by restricting food intake, which in turn leads to weight loss:
- Gastric banding — a band is placed around the stomach to reduce stomach capacity.
- Gastric bypass — the digestive system is re-routed past most of the stomach.
- Sleeve gastrectomy — 80 percent of the stomach is permanently removed.
Of the three procedures, adjustable gastric banding, also known as LAP-BAND®, is the least-invasive procedure, and also has the highest safety profile. An inflatable band is placed laparoscopically around the upper portion of the stomach, which provides restriction — limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one sitting. Individuals with the band feel full on a smaller amount of food, leading to caloric restriction and weight loss. There are many factors that must be considered to determine which type of procedure is best for you. However, LAP-BAND® has several advantages over other types of weight loss surgery. Some of the advantages are:
- There is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing, making the LAP-BAND® less traumatic compared to other weight loss surgeries, as well as one of the safest.
- Unlike other weight loss surgical procedures, the LAP-BAND® is adjustable, which allows for modifications if necessary, and also facilitates steady weight loss for several years after band placement.
- The digestive process is not altered, so nutrient absorption is not affected.
- The band can be adjusted to help control hunger and appetite, thus providing individualized weight loss.
- LAP-BAND® is entirely and most simply reversible.
- LAP-BAND® surgery is completed on an outpatient basis, with most patients sent home within a few hours of the procedure. On average, the procedure takes less than an hour.
- Individuals who receive a band have less surgical trauma, fewer complications, less pain and scarring, and a quicker recovery time. Most people are back to their regular life in one week or less.
Follow-up is critical for javascript:void(0);success after LAP-BAND® surgery. Like any other weight management program, regular follow up and accountability are keys to success. The LAP-BAND® is now covered by many commercial health insurance plans. For patients who suffer many medical problems as a result of their excess weight, the risk of surgery is far less than the risk of being severely overweight.
For more information on LAP-BAND® surgery and insurance coverage, you may contact Dr. Sidney Rohrscheib at the Illinois Bariatric Center, at 217-935-7037. Illinois Bariatric Center provides a unique multidisciplinary program dedicated to the management and surgical treatment of obesity. Their staff of physicians, nurses, dietitians, psychologist, and office support prepares you carefully before and after surgery to ensure a healthy weight loss that will improve your health and quality of life.