How to Lose Weight with Gastric Banding? Find out if it is for You!

How to lose weight and what are the options?

If you are wondering about how to lose weight quickly, you need to consider what would work for you. Human bodies are different in the way it responds to different diets and weight loss methods. In addition, you need to factor in your body weight and how committed you are to your weight loss journey. An overweight person (BMI; 25-29.9) can drop extra weight and lose belly fat by following a healthy diet and exercising. On the other hand, an obese individual (BMI 30 and up) might need to consider medical intervention to drop the weight to healthier levels.

Obesity complications

Life expectancy for obese people is significantly shorter than normal weight people. Moreover, obesity is associated with various health complications such as diabetes, heart problems, hypertension, joints damage, and gallstones. Obesity also contributes to self image issues and psychological problems because of the social pressure they are subjected to.

When all conventional therapies for weight loss such as diet, exercise, psychotherapy and hypnosis are exhausted; medical procedures and interventions remain as an option for long-term success.

A visit to weight loss clinics administered by health practitioners and well trained doctors could be a life saving decision that some of us would need to make. There are many surgical and non surgical options available now a days and your doctor would be able to help you choose a method suitable for your health condition and your needs.

How does the gastric band work?

Laparoscopic gastric banding (Lap-Band; LAGB) is a restrictive procedure that some consider less invasive than gastric bypass option. The aim is to reduce the size of stomach so a person would feel full faster, eat less and lose weight fast. With lap-band procedure, the surgeon would place an adjustable silicon band around the upper portion of the stomach. The stomach would be divided into two parts, but it remains intact. The stomach would become so small and can hold only one ounce of food at a time. Food absorption would be very slow and the individual would feel full most of the time.

How is the band adjusted?

The gastric band itself is an elastic silicone band that can be filled with a saline solution. The band is connected through a plastic tube to a reservoir under the skin. The reservoir can be reached with a syringe to inject or take out some of the saline solution. The amount of solution adjusts how tight or loose the band is around the stomach.

How to lose weight after the procedure

After the procedure, the food arrives first in the small top part of the stomach and the person would feel full quickly. Next, the food then travels through the adjustable band to the second portion of the stomach for the normal digestion process. Weight loss occurs because the individual would reduce the amount of they eat.

What to expect during the surgery

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts between 30-60 minutes depending on surgeon experience. About 95% of cases it is laparoscopic, where there are only 1-5 small incisions are made for the camera and tools placed by the surgeon to perform the procedure.

The gastric band is supposed to stay around the stomach always but the procedure is reversible. If the band is removed, the stomach will return to its original size and hence the risk of weight regain.

Gastric banding procedure risks

Gastric banding is considered to be relatively safe. But, as with any surgery there are risks and complication associated that you will need to discuss with your doctor prior to going through it. Some of these risks are;

Infection, erosion or partial slipping of the band from its original position, and poor nutrition.

Is gastric banding suitable for me?

You might want to learn how to use weight fast and might want consider the procedure. Check with your doctor to see if the Laparoscopic gastric banding. The following minimum requirements you must meet to qualify for gastric band surgery in question.

You are obese for the past 5 years and couldn’t lose weight by dieting nor exercise
Your BMI should be above 40 or have a health condition that could improve by weight loss such as; diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea

Kelly’s Success Story:

Kelly writes; I started putting on weight after I gave birth to my daughter Lilly. I was not able to lose the baby weight and actually gained some more. Diet and exercise were not really helping. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I only saw an unhappy and overweight woman. I wanted to be me again. I went for the procedure almost a year ago. I lost over 100 pounds within the first 8 months. This is how I look now and when I see my reflection in the mirror, I can very well smile =)

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