What are the advantages of the Lapband?
The Lapband is the least traumatic weight loss surgery currently available. It is carried out laparoscopically which reduces the risks associated with surgery for larger people. It also enables a faster recovery.
The band is fully adjustable and its size can be varied, by inflation or deflation, according to the individualised needs of the patient.
The patient's natural digestive processes are not disturbed. The insertion procedure does not open, remove or alter any part of the stomach, intestines or any other part of the natural anatomy. Unlike certain forms of the stapling operation, patients continue to get the full nutritional benefits of all foods consumed.
The operation is fully reversible. Should a patient experience unforeseen complications or have difficulty living with the band, it can be removed and the stomach will revert to its natural pre-operative condition.
There is a low incidence of long term complications reported by patients in the studies published to date.
The studies show an excellent long term sustained weight loss.
What are the disadvantages of the Lapband?
Dramatic weight loss is not guaranteed! Some patients do not respond as well as others to the Lapband and do not experience a significant restriction in their food intake and/or any reduction in hunger. These patients experience little or no weight loss with the Lapband. Patients that do respond well to the Lapband will still need to pay attention to diet and exercise in order to lose even 50 to 75 percent of their excess weight.
Given the restrictions of the band, most people experience some level of vomiting and regurgitation with the band.
Reflux is a common problem associated with Lapband surgery. Although some patients have reported that the Lapband has alleviated problems they have had with reflux in the past, many begin to battle reflux after Lapband surgery - usually after several inflations.
Patients are advised to begin taking a complete multivitamin prior to surgery and to continue taking multivitamins for the rest of their life.
Long term studies have shown that, given the restricted amount of food able to be ingested, many patients find it difficult to maintain healthy levels of Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B.
