The lap band or gastric banding surgical procedure is used as a medical weight loss intervention in severely obese individuals. Have you ever wondered if the lap band is right for you?

Have you been obese for more than 5 years?

Have you tried with minimal or no success to lose weight on your own?

Are you more than 100 pounds above your ideal weight?

Do you have a BMI of 35 or more and a serious health condition?

Do you have a BMI of 40 or more?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you are most likely a good candidate for lap band surgery . Sometimes an individual will meet most of the physical qualifications for lap band weight loss surgery and still be turned down if the procedure is too risky. Anyone with diseases that affect the intestines or digestive system such as Crohn's disease, may not be the best candidate for the procedure, but your doctor will need to assess that possibility.

The risk of nutrient deficiency after lap band procedure is extremely rare. Gastric bypass patients on the other hand have an increased risk of malnutrition when compared to lap band patients. It basically comes down to the mechanism used for weight loss. Gastric bypass reduces your stomach size just like the lap band, but it also prevents some of your food from being absorbed. While you are not absorbing calories, you are also not receiving vitamins and minerals essential to thriving health. With the lap band you can safely lose 40 percent of your excess weight and keep your health intact.

Lap band weight loss procedures may present a risk to those who suffer from esophagitis, Crohn's disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. However, don't lose hope. Having one of these conditions does not automatically preclude you from getting the lap band

Lap band is considered the safest of all of the weight loss surgeries. There is no cutting or rerouting of the intestinal tract which prevents some of the more serious complications that occur with gastric bypass. Since the lap band does not interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients malnutrition with lap band is a rarity. Dumping syndrome, when food passes too quickly through the small intestine is common in gastric bypass patients but not lap band patients. The most common risks associated with this procedure are vomiting and nausea. As with any surgery, infection and bleeding can occur. There is a chance that the band can slip and need to be placed in its proper spot again. Lap band is the safest of all weight loss surgeries with an extremely low mortality rate of 0.02%.

The laparoscopic technique used in lap band reduces surgical complications dramatically by limiting the invasiveness of the procedure. Your surgeon will use tiny incisions to access the stomach and create a smaller pouch with the inflatable silicone band. If you experience nausea and vomiting, your band may need an adjustment. The lap bandcan be readjusted without a surgical operation. To find out more about the lap band schedule a consultation with our skilled board certified surgeons.