LAP-BAND Benefits
It can be difficult to make the lifestyle changes necessary to lose excess weight. The task is especially daunting when someone is obese or morbidly obese. Diet changes alone often fail to produce desired weight loss results, and exercise can be difficult for those who are particularly heavy.
Bariatric surgery may be the ideal weight loss solution for individuals who are obese. At Tijuana Bariatrics, we offer various bariatric surgery procedures. One popular technique among our Tijuana, Mexico, patients is LAP-BAND®. LAP-BAND limit’s the stomach’s capacity, which encourages weight loss. Here, we discuss the numerous LAP-BAND benefits that make this the preferred treatment for many of our weight loss surgery patients.
Minimally Invasive Technique
LAP-BAND surgery is performed laparoscopically, which makes it a minimally invasive surgical technique. During the procedure, the doctor makes a few small incisions along the abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted through these incisions. The laparoscope is a thin surgical instrument with a camera attached. The camera takes images that are projected onto a screen in the surgical suite.
The camera allows the surgeon to view the surgical site and place the gastric band without making large incisions that are more difficult to heal. Once the gastric band has been placed along the upper stomach, it is inflated to create a stomach pouch of the desired size. Because LAP-BAND surgery is minimally invasive, the procedure is shorter than other bariatric surgeries. Most LAP-BAND procedures are complete in under an hour.
Shorter Recovery
Because LAP-BAND surgery is minimally invasive, it has a shorter recovery period than any other bariatric technique. On average, patients are only in the hospital for one or two days following LAP-BAND surgery, as opposed to two to four days for most other bariatric procedures. Once patients are at home, recovery should go pretty quickly. Many of our Tijuana patients feel well enough to return to work within a week of their procedure, and are considered fully recovered just a couple of weeks after surgery.
Minimal Risk of Complications
Another benefit of this minimally invasive technique is a lower risk of surgical complications. Since surgical incisions are small, they tend to heal quickly and are unlikely to become infected. In addition, the LAP-BAND technique does not permanently alter the stomach or make changes to the digestive system. Because of this, the body continues to absorb nutrients as normal, so complications like dumping syndrome and nutrient deficiency (which may develop after other bariatric procedures) are unlikely after LAP-BAND surgery.
Adjustable System
LAP-BAND is the only bariatric technique that is completely adjustable. The gastric band is inflated based on each of our Tijuana patient’s unique needs. We are not only able to customize the initial LAP-BAND procedure, but can also make adjustments later on. If a patient is not achieving the weight loss results they desire, the lap band can be tightened. Similarly, if a patient has achieved their weight loss goals and is maintaining good diet and exercise habits, they can have the gastric band loosened or completely removed.
Contact Us
If you are struggling to get rid of excess weight and regain control of your health, you may be an ideal candidate for bariatric surgery. To learn more about LAP-BAND surgery and the other weight loss procedures offered at Tijuana Bariatrics, send us a message online at your earliest convenience.
