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Lap-band surgery is an outpatient procedure designed to reduce the amount of food that is consumed at one time. This encourages patients to slow down while eating so that they may feel full before eating too much. While lap-band procedures may have fewer risks than more extensive gastric bypass procedures, there are some chances that complications may occur. While all types of surgery come with inherent risks, you can minimize your chance of developing complications from lap-band surgery.

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Your surgeon will provide you with instructions that you should follow before your surgery in order to make the procedure more successful. Following these directions can help the procedure to run more smoothly and promote better healing. If you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages, you may be advised to quit several weeks before your scheduled procedure. It has been shown that smoking can dramatically affect the healing process and may increase the risk of post-surgical complications.

Following your lap-band surgery, you can minimize your risks of surgical complications by following all aftercare instructions as directed. Proper wound care, resting, and diet can go a long way toward decreasing post-surgical complication risks.

Follow Dietary Guidelines

The lap-band procedure is only a first step toward weight loss and increased overall health. It is important to change your lifestyle and eating behaviors following a lap-band procedure. Working with a qualified nutritionist can help you to avoid potential dietary complications that may occur, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Acid reflux or GERD
• Food intolerance
• Difficulty swallowing
• Constipation or diarrhea

Many food-related issues can be resolved by taking the time to eat more slowly and chew food thoroughly. Eating smaller bites may be necessary due to constrictions on the stomach caused by the placement of the lap band or if you have difficulty swallowing. Additionally, certain foods may be linked to acid reflux or GERD, so speaking with a nutritionist can help you to eat the right foods and food portions to reduce your risks of complications.

Notify Your Physician of Problems Immediately

While the chances are very small that there are problems with the bandingor its placement, these issues can occur. Excessive vomiting, pain, pressure, or even extreme discomfort may signal signs of lap-band slippage, leak, or intolerance. Symptoms should not be ignored. Most problems can be addressed with simple adjustments to the band.

Obesity is one of the primary causes of type 2 diabetes. Discover why Lap-Band surgery could be the best alternative for treating both obesity and this form of diabetes in adults.

What is Lap-Band Surgery?

Lap-Band surgery is a procedure that involves the placement of a band around the stomach, thereby reducing its size and decreasing its capacity to hold food. When the size of your stomach is reduced, you are not able to eat as much food. You consume fewer calories and in turn lose weight.

When performed on type 2 diabetics, Lap-Band surgery may ease or eliminate the symptoms of this illness as the patients recover. A recent study indicated that 62 percent of Lap-Band surgery patients were able to decrease the amount or halt entirely the medications they were taking for type 2 diabetes.

Before you ask your doctor about undergoing Lap-Band surgery, however, you should learn who makes the ideal candidate for the procedure. You also should learn what the risks are and what to expect during your recovery.

Candidacy for Type 2 Diabetes Lap-Band Surgery

Surgeons are required to ensure the candidacy of Type 2 diabetic patients who want to undergo lap band surgery. The ideal candidate must:

• Have a BMI of 40 or over
• Have a BMI of 35 or over that is also linked to sleep apnea or heart disease
• Have not been able to lose weight through other means like dieting or exercise
• Understand the risks and expectations associated with Lap-Band surgery

If you meet these criteria, you may be approved to undergo Lap-Band surgery for your type 2 diabetes. You can prepare now by learning what risks to anticipate as a patient and what to expect as you recover from your procedure.

Are There Risks?

Like any surgery, there are possible risks involved. It is imperative that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. You must rest and take all medications as prescribed to you to maintain your glucose levels and minimize pain.

Losing weight is indeed a huge accomplishment. You will immediately start losing weight after your Lap-Band surgery, which may be recommended for patients who are obese. Some people even lose weight quickly for the first few months, and then they continue to shed pounds slowly over the years. Your body will keep changing in size, which is why it is smart to have a strategy for buying new clothes.

Find Out Your New Body Type

Before you head out and shop for clothes, you need to know first what your body type is. Use a tape measure to find out by measuring your bust, shoulders, hips, and waistline. Get the difference between the numbers to determine your current body shape. The good news is that whatever your body type is, you will find a style that will flatter your new figure.

Buy for Your Size Now

Most people make the mistake of buying for the long-term. Your body will be in constant change until you complete your goal. Therefore, you should not buy clothes for the body size you hope to achieve someday. Be sure to pick the ones that will make you feel comfortable and confident while complementing your current BMI and shape. Some pieces are flexible and can match your body even as it goes through changes. An example is an elastic wrap dress that has a waist that allows you to tie it yourself. Another is a tunic cinched with a belt on top of leggings. These pieces are adjustable, while you feel fantastic even as your body transforms.

One more reason why you should buy for your current size is that it helps you avoid overspending. You do not want to spend too much on items you probably would not even wear. It is a common case for those who have undergone a bariatric surgery to be tempted to get into a shopping frenzy.

A new weight loss wardrobe does sound thrilling, but there is a huge chance that the clothes you buy may not even fit in a few months’ time. You can experiment though, such as new styles that you have not tried before the surgery. However, it is recommended that you take some time to search for sales, discounts, and good bargains at department stores or online shops.

Lap-Band surgery is considered to be one of the safest and most effective methods of surgical weight loss. In fact, Lap-Band failure rate is only about nine percent, which is fewer than one out of every ten procedures performed. Yet there are times when some type of Lap-Band revision is necessary due to issues such as unsuccessful weight loss or complications requiring band removal. In many cases, an appropriate revision will likely produce the desired results.

Why Revision May Be Necessary

A common reason for Lap-Band revision is unsuccessful weight loss. Generally, losing about 25-30 percent of your excess weight is considered “unsuccessful” since most people lose about 50 percent or more of their extra weight with gastric banding (although results do vary). Another reason for a revision is complications from the gastric band, although some of the following possible issues with the band may be able to be corrected without band removal:

• Infection
• Erosion of the band
• Band slippage
• Band intolerance

An X-ray may be done to check for leaks after a special dye is ingested. Some patients may experience vomiting or reflux if they are having complications from the band.

One-Stage and Two-Stage Removal

With a one-stage procedure, the band is removed and a new weight loss surgery is performed at the same time. A two-stage removal is done in two parts. The band is removed during the first procedure. After healing, another procedure, usually gastric sleeve surgery, is performed. While one-stage removal is often recommended, a two-stage procedure may be better if the band has to be removed due to complications.

Different Revision Options

Re-banding is a type of revision that simply means replacing the band, although this option is not usually recommended if the reason for revision was unsuccessful weight loss. With revision to a gastric sleeve, the average weight loss is about 60 percent of pre-surgery weight.

Some patients benefit from a revision to a roux-en-y gastric bypass. Weight loss after band removal may be as high as 70 percent, according to research on results. Another option is revision to a duodenal switch (DS). It’s a more complex and involved procedure, but it may lead to fairly rapid and substantial weight loss.

Regardless of what type of Lap-Band revision is performed, it’s important for patients to commit to making positive lifestyle changes and sticking with dietary guidelines. Ongoing communication with the surgeon and their staff is equally essential. Ultimately, the most successful surgical weight loss solution is one that will contribute to long-term results.

Lap-Band surgery, a form of bariatric surgery, is used in the management of obesity. This procedure makes the stomach smaller, limiting the amount of food that someone can comfortably ingest. Weight loss from Lap-Band surgery is slower and less dramatic than with gastric bypass. Lap-Band surgery is the least invasive type of weight loss surgery. However, gastric band surgery is not ideal for everyone. There are a variety of factors that make someone a good candidate for this procedure.

Who Qualifies for the Lap-Band Procedure?

In general, a patient should have a BMI of at least 40, or be at least 100 pounds overweight to be considered a candidate for this procedure. Individuals who have a BMI between 35 and 39 may also be considered for Lap-Band if they have at least one obesity-related health condition. Some of these conditions include hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes. If an individual does not meet either of these two qualifications, they may be considered for Lap-Band if they have tried unsuccessfully to reach and maintain a healthy weight for a period of time.

Weight is not the only issue in determining who makes a good candidate for this procedure. Even after undergoing Lap-Band surgery, weight loss requires a lifestyle change. Individuals who are unwilling or unable to make these changes will not have as much success with the surgery as those who revamp their lifestyle.

What to Expect After Lap-Band

Depending on the weight and health of an individual patient, it may be necessary to maintain a specialized diet several weeks before the scheduled surgery. After surgery, it will be necessary to maintain a liquid diet for a period of time while the area heals. Adherence to these guidelines is necessary not only for success from the surgery, but also for the health of the patient.

Willingness to commit to an active lifestyle is also important for success. Gentle walking should begin as soon as possible after surgery. As the patient heals and drops weight, increasing the length or intensity of exercise will help with weight loss. Even individuals who are chair-bound should increase their activity levels, by marching in place in a seated position, and doing upper body movements. Individuals who meet the medical requirements for Lap-Band surgery, and who are willing to make the lifestyle changes mentioned are more likely to experience satisfactory weight loss and improved health from the procedure.

Lap-Band surgery can be an effective weight loss and management method, but it’s not a procedure that should be the first attempt at shedding excess pounds. When diet and exercise and other methods to successfully lose weight fail and other factors are involved, however, adjustable gastric band surgery may become medically necessary. Here’s what you need to know when making this determination.

Serious Health Risks without Intervention

People who are seriously overweight tend to have medical conditions that are affected by weight in one way or another. If you have serious health risks such as severe sleep apnea, heart disease that may be more treatable after weight loss as you change your diet, or diabetes that is difficult to control because of your weight, Lap-Band surgery may be deemed medically necessary.

In order to be considered an ideal candidate for adjustable banding, it must be determined that any underlying conditions you may have will likely improve with weight loss. Additionally, most doctors go by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for surgical weight loss suggesting that patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or have a weight-related condition with a BMI between 35 and 40.

Quality of Life is Being Noticeably Affected

The impact on your quality of life may be considered when determining medical necessity for Lap-Band surgery and whether or not the procedure will likely benefit you. Carrying around extra pounds often results in a significant lack of energy and other issues that can have an impact on how you live your life. Patients may also experience:

• Recurring disruptions to sleep cycles
• Trouble breathing when climbing stairs or with other daily movements
• Issues with posture that may trigger back and joint pain
• Difficulty exercising due to discomfort from obesity-related conditions
• Persistent problems with mobility

There’s a Family History of Weight-Related Issues

Family history is sometimes considered when determining if Lap-Band surgery is medically necessary. There’s evidence suggesting that some people may be genetically predisposed to gaining weight. Genetics can also play a role in hunger sensations and other issues that can make it difficult to lose weight with traditional methods. Family history is also considered in terms of weight-related medical conditions that may run in your family, such as type 2 diabetes and chronic high blood pressure.

Long-term weight loss can be achieved when dieting alone has not worked. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a type of surgical procedure that makes your stomach smaller so you will eat less while feeling full more quickly than in the past.

What Is Lap-Band?

Gastric banding, or Lap-Band, involves a surgeon making several small incisions in your abdomen. He or she will insert tiny surgical tools and a camera via these cuts, then wrap a band around your upper stomach, encircling it like a ring. A thin tube is attached to the band. It leads to an accessible port just beneath the skin, so the physician can place a needle in to add or remove saline. When saline is added to the port, the band becomes tighter, reducing stomach size. If it is made too tight, saline can be taken out to relieve the tightness.

The Lap-Band is not inflated during the surgical procedure. First, you must recover from the surgery, which typically takes from four to six weeks. At that point, the band can then be inflated and adjusted so you can begin losing weight.

The Recovery Process: What You Can Expect

Lap-Band surgery is a common bariatric surgery procedure that is very popular. One of the reasons for its popularity is that the surgical time is quite short compared to other weight-loss surgeries. Lap-Band also has a very low complication rate during the procedure. Your second and third days after surgery may present you with some soreness, usually in the upper left area of the stomach, beneath your ribs. You may also have gas pains that will pass.

The most activity you will be required to do will be to walk for 30 minutes each day for the first week following surgery. It’s recommended that you stay home for the first week post-surgery and avoid any heavy lifting for the first month.

You can consume liquid foods, such as soups and protein shakes. It will be normal to feel hungry at first, but keep to the diet your doctor prescribes. During the second or third week, you may be permitted to eat soft and then regular foods. You will then be on your way to seeing your doctor and getting your first Lap-Band adjustment.

Morbid obesity is the most serious stage of obesity. Those suffering from this life-threatening condition find themselves struggling with their weight and essentially end up feeling as if they’re trapped in a weight gain cycle. Morbid obesity describes those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or 35 to 40 with health problems caused by their weight.

For patients who are unable to lose weight by traditional methods, Lap-Band surgery can be life changing. The National Institute of Health recognizes bariatric surgery as a highly effective treatment to combat obesity and a means of long-term weight management.

What is Lap Banding?

During the surgical procedure, the Lap-Band is placed around the top portion of the patient’s stomach directly below their esophagus. This allows the surgeon to adjust the tightness of the band after the surgery is complete. This band is then filled with saline, which compresses the area around the patient’s stomach. Any food consumed then sits in this area, creating a feeling of fullness with smaller portions.

The food then slowly makes its way down into the stomach where the normal digestion process takes place. Typically, the Lap-Band will need to be adjusted several weeks following the procedure to ensure proper nutrition once adequate restriction is achieved.

Can Bariatric Surgery Improve My Health?

When combined with a comprehensive dietary and exercise plan, Lap-Band surgery is an effective tool that provides patients with prolonged weight loss and improvement in overall health. Bariatric surgery has been proven to improve or even eliminate obesity-related conditions such as:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Am I a Candidate for Lap-Band Surgery?

Gastric banding works well for individuals who are committed to losing weight and living a healthier, more active lifestyle. Patients who seek to lose weight and restrict portions while still consuming junk food, soda, and other unhealthy meals are not ideal candidates.

Significant weight loss through Lap-Band surgery can also pave the way for many other opportunities for patients, their families, and mostly importantly, increasing their life expectancy. The most successful patients have realistic expectations and have made the decision to live a healthier lifestyle once and for all.

An ankle sprain is characterized the stretching or tearing of a ligament. Your ligaments are strong bands of tissue that are needed to stabilize joints. You can cause damage to a ligament by twisting, turning, or rolling your ankle.

Ankle sprains are more likely to occur if you are very active or if you have injured your ankle before. You can sprain your ankle by falling, landing the wrong way after jumping, or running on an uneven surface. In general, any unnatural movement that puts stress on your foot can result in an ankle sprain.

Symptoms

Some patients here a popping sound when they sprain their ankle. Others only experience pain, especially when putting weight on the injured ankle. Reduced range of motion, bruising, and swelling are also common symptoms of an ankle sprain.

Treatment

The treatment that is needed for an ankle sprain varies according to how severe the problem is, but medical evaluation is always recommended so that your doctor can determine the extent of the injury and suggest the best next steps. For example, severe symptoms could point to a break that requires more involved treatment. Your doctor will examine the ankle and check for range of motion. Sometimes, imaging tests (like an x-ray) are needed to get a better look at the damage.

With no treatment at all for an ankle sprain, you could experience instability and chronic pain.

Some patients only need over-the-counter medications and rest to manage pain. Crutches or splints can help with walking until the pain subsides. Ice therapy, compression, elevation can be used to reduce swelling. For many patients, physical therapy is useful for restoring strength and range of motion.

In order to protect the ankle going forward, wearing an ankle brace or wrap during physical activity and exercise may be helpful.