The Lap-band is an option for people who are at least 100 pounds overweight. Certain other criteria must be met before the patient can undergo the Lap-band procedure. Patients must be prepared to change not only their body, but how they live their life.
Lap-Band Criteria: Who Qualifies For Lap Band Surgery?
Patients must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Lap-band procedure:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40, or BMI of 35 with one or more obesity-related health problems
- at least 100 pounds overweight
- 18 years or older
- overweight for at least five years
- not suffering from any disease that has caused excessive weight gain
- do not drink alcohol in excess
- not pregnant
- serious weight loss attempts have only had short-term success
- ability to make major changes in eating habits and lifestyle
This criteria will be evaluated by the Lap-band surgeon before the procedure is scheduled. Medical history will also be considered. The physician will determine if the Lap-band is an option for each individual patient on a case by case basis.
How the Lap-Band Procedure Works
The Lap-band is placed using a laparoscopic procedure, under general anesthesia. Long, thin instruments are inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen.
The surgeon implants the band system around the upper portion of the stomach, like a belt. A tube is connected from the banding system to a small access port, fixed under the skin of the abdomen. The access port will allow for adjustments after the procedure.
The Lap-band procedure is commonly done on an outpatient basis and takes approximately one hour.
Risks and Complications of Lap Band Surgery
The Lap-band System includes the same risks as any other form of major surgery. Patients who are seriously overweight have added risks during surgery. Death is one of the risks. Death can occur at any time during the procedure or as a result of the procedure. No deaths during or after this surgery have been reported in the U.S., as of a 2009 study.
Gastric perforation, a tear in the stomach wall, occurred in 1% of patients. This complication may cause the need for an additional operation. Additional complications experienced by patients include but are not limited to:
- nausea and vomiting
- gastroesophageal reflux
- band slippage/pouch dilation
- stoma obstruction
- constipation
- diarrhea
- difficulty swallowing
After the Lap-band is placed, patients need to notify their physician immediately if they experience a fever of 101 degrees or higher, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, pain, redness, or swelling in one or both legs, nausea and vomiting, severe pain in the abdomen, or pain, swelling, or fluid leaking from the incisions.
Lap Band Adjustments
Lap-bands are generally empty or only partially inflated at first. This allows the body time to get accustomed to the system and allows healing to take place.
The first adjustment is done four to six weeks after surgery. The doctor will located the access port and insert a fine needle into the port. Sterile saline solution is added to the system.
Future adjustments will depend on how a patient is feeling and how much they are losing or not losing weight. Adjustments are done approximately five to eight times yearly.
Cost of Gastric Band System and Will Insurance or Medicare Help Cover the Procedure?
Costs will vary for the Lap-band system, depending on the patients individual situation, health plan, surgeon/hospital choice, and if the procedure is done on an inpatient or outpatient stay.
Lap-band procedures range from $12,000 to $24,000. Adjustments are typically done for free for the first year. Follow-up visits and adjustments beyond the first year can range from $35 to $200 per visit.
Insurance, Medicare, or private financing can be used to help cover the cost of the Lap-band procedure. Flexible payment plans are also available using CareCredit.
Considerations of Lap-band
Lap-band surgery will require commitment on the part of the patient. Patients will need to explore a new relationship with food. Immediately after surgery, the diet will progress from liquids to soft to finally solid foods. Three meals a day are recommended and the amount of food consumption will be greatly decreased from what patients were eating before the procedure. Due to the limited amount of food intake, patients will need to educate themselves regarding the amount of nutrients needed and what foods will provide these benefits.
Lifestyle changes regarding exercise are a part of the Lap-band success. The surgeon will closely follow the progress of each patient to ensure recovery is going well. Weight loss will allow patients to become more physically active over time and enjoy a healthy, full, and active life.
References:
LapBand.com, "Lap-Band Information", accessed March 28, 2010
Sandra Blake - Sandra resides in Ohio. She attended the Academy of Health Sciences and Columbus State. She has years of experience in health information ...
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