The Lap Band System: Is it for Everyone?

The lap band system is a new type of obesity surgery that uses a procedure known as laparoscopic banding. In this type of system, a small incision is made and a silicone-filled device is attached over the stomach, reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold. This process, also known as bariatic surgery, gastric banding surgery, overweight surgery, and laparoscopic surgery, is getting quite a lot of press because it promises to help those with problem obesity shed pounds rapidly and with ease. That’s because the gastric banding system actually reduces appetite - with the lap band device in place, patients feel full and so less inclined to eat. Through this laparoscopic surgery, the amount of food the stomach holds is smaller, so the patient can lose weight with no hunger pains simply by desiring less food. Also, this type of system is very popular because it is adjustable. It can be removed with few side effects or adjusted if the patient does not lose weight as required.

The gastric banding system is not for everyone, though. Even surgeons who are very enthusiastic about this device for obesity agree that the lap banding system does not work as well for everyone. Those who have a sweet tooth, for example, have not been shown to have great results with a gastric banding system. Even more seriously, those who are not committed to weight loss are poor candidates, as well. That’s because the gastric banding system can help reduce hunger pains but still requires careful control of foods and lifestyle to work. A patient who continues to eat large amounts will not be able to keep off the weight, despite the lap band device.