LAP-BAND® System Frequently Asked Questions
Obesity related:
- What is obesity?
- What diet plan or pill works the best?
- What is morbid obesity?
- What is the difference between overweight and obese?
- I am obese with health problems (co-morbidities), can you help me?
Treatment related:
- Can you do my weight loss surgery (lap-band, gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy)?
- How can I get help in treating my obesity?
- How do I find out about clinical trials?
- What are some of the reasons why a doctor might not treat me?
- I'm not in California, how can I find a doctor near me?
- My child is obese, nothing seems to work, what should we do?
- What is the cost of this weight loss surgery?
- Will my insurance cover this surgery?
- What if I don't have health insurance?
- How safe is weight loss surgery (LAP-BAND®, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy)?
- How long will I be in the hospital after LAP-BAND® surgery?
- Can all types of bariatric surgery be performed laparoscopically?
- When can I go back to work after the operation?
- Will I still be able to get pregnant?
- Can I drink alcohol?
- What can I do about extra skin and stretch marks?
- How soon can I exercise after the LAP-BAND® surgery?
- Do I have to take medicine after surgery?
- What kind of foods will I be able to eat and drink?
- How fast will I lose the weight after LAP-BAND® Surgery, and is it dangerous?
- Can I get this weight loss surgery reversed?
- How about after lap band surgery, are there support groups?
- I had gastric bypass/lap band surgery but have since forgotten my doctors' recommended daily nutritional requirements and I can't get in contact with him. Can you help me?
Web Site Related:
What is obesity?
Obesity results from the excess accumulation of fat that
exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. According
to the American Obesity Association, obesity is a disease.
Obesity is defined as being 20% or more over ideal weight
(BMI >25). Ideal weight is the weight associated with the
longest life. Ideal weight tables show the ideal weight as
it relates to gender and height. There are different tables
and some controversy over what actually is ideal weight. A
rule of thumb often used by physicians to calculate ideal
weight is to allow 100 lbs. for the first 5 feet of a woman's
height and 5 lbs. For each inch over 5 feet. For men it is
106 lbs. For the first 5 feet and 6 lbs. For each inch thereafter.
Example: A 5 foot 6 inch woman should therefore weight 130 lbs.
Doctors need a method to determine the general healthiness of a patient, and that's where BMI comes into play. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It's a scientific method that uses your weight and height ratio to calculate your body fat percentage.
BMI is derived by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height in meters. Please visit your doctor for an accurate reading.
What diet
plan or pill works the best?
LapBand101.com's mission is to provide information about severe obesity and the treatment thereof. We are assuming that you are obese or morbidly obese and have tried to change your behavioral factors (diets and exercise) without success and are interested only in treatments that address the biological factors in your body that are outside your control. We suggest that you contact your doctor to get more information about any diet plans, weight loss products and specific bariatric surgical procedures such as the lap band.
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What is morbid
obesity?
Morbid obesity is a much more severe form of obesity. A person
who is 100 or more pounds overweight or twice the ideal body
weight and has a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 with multiple co-morbidities
is morbidly obese. Morbid obesity affects an estimated 9 million
Americans.
Morbid obesity is a common condition that can have profoundly
negative health and social consequences. It is considered
a serious disease and has been linked to shortened life expectancy.
Most morbidly obese patients are candidates for the various
forms of weight loss surgery (restrictive - lap band, Roux-en-Y
Gastric Bypass surgery (stomach stapling), Gastroplasty, or
Malabsorbtive - biliopancreatic diversion, Duodenal Switch).
According to C. Everett Koop, M.D. former Surgeon General
of the United States, obesity is the second leading cause
of preventable death in America! And more and more insurance
companies are realizing that weight loss surgery is not a
cosmetically motivated treatment but instead a life saving
weight loss surgery treatment making weight loss surgeries
such as gastric bypass financially affordable to those in
need.
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What is the difference
between overweight and obese?
An adult is considered "overweight" when he/she
is above a healthy weight, which varies according to a person's
height. An individual is overweight when their BMI is between
25–29.9. The standard used by researchers to define a
person's weight according to their height is "body
mass index" (BMI).
An adult with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. For
example, for a 5'4" woman, this means that she is 30
or more pounds over her healthy weight.
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I am obese with health problems (co-morbidities), can you help me?
LapBand101.com is designed exactly for you. We walk you through the process of learning about yourself so that you can make informed choices about various weight loss surgery procedures. Many of us don't want to know the facts about our health but it can be a matter of life and death!
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Can you do my weight loss surgery (LAP-BAND®, gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy)?
Yes, but you need to contact us so we may schedule an appointment to see one of our doctors. At that time the doctor will make an assessment as to whether you need LAP-BAND®, gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
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How can I get
help in treating my obesity?
Contact us so we can
start the process of getting you back on track toward a healthier,
happier you. If you not from California and are not interested
in traveling to California, we recommend using ObesityDirectory.com.
It is a nation wide (United States) directory and all of the
bariatric surgeons listed are members of the American Society
for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). Simply pick a treatment facility
near you and submit your information, the facility will get
back to you. They would be glad to help you.
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How do I find out
about clinical trials?
Ask your doctor or if you are out of state and still need
a doctor, we recommend using ObesityDirectory.com to choose a doctor, then ask your doctor about any clinical
trials that you may be eligible for. They would be happy to
help you.
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What are some
of the reasons why a doctor might not treat me?
Most treatment facilities will delay surgery, exclude from further
consideration for surgery, or even cancel a scheduled operation
for any patient who does not meet their minimum standards or
who fails to follow through with instructions. Some exclusion
criteria may include the following:
- BMI is too low.
- Failure to keep a scheduled pre-operative seminar or appointment
without advance notification. The lack of commitment might
identify the patient who won’t follow through with
post-operative visits and instructions.
- Failure to comply with sample menus and diet assignments.
- Failure to recruit and bring along a support person.
- Failure to stop smoking 6 weeks before surgery (a blood
test for nicotine can be checked prior to surgery).
- Failure to attend a support group meeting before surgery.
- Risk is too high due to existing co-morbidities, (health
problems) adding increased risk of complications during
and after the surgery.
- Perceived lack of understanding of or commitment to the
life-long dietary restrictions created by this major operation.
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I'm not in California,
how can I find a doctor near me?
We recommend using ObesityDirectory.com. It is a nation wide directory and all of the bariatric surgeons listed are members of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). This means they are general surgeons who specialize in bariatric surgery and are diplomats of the American Board of Surgery or Fellows of the American College of Surgeons or Royal College of Surgeons. The purpose of the Society is to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery by continued encouragement of its members to:
- Pursue investigations in both the clinic and laboratory
Interchange ideas, information and experience pertaining to bariatric surgery
- Promote guidelines for ethical patient selection and care
- Develop educational programs for physicians, paramedical
persons and lay people
- Promote outcome studies and quality assurance
New surgeons are added regularly, so please check back if
you don't locate one near you.
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My child
is obese, nothing seems to work, what should we do?
It is generally recommended that you take your child to your pediatric doctor and have a complete a physical assessment done to insure the obesity is not caused by physical problems. If there are no physical problems identified by your pediatrician, they will usually recommend the modification of external factors. Here are some very basic ways to do this:
- Set a reasonable weight-loss goal Initially, 5 to 10 lb,
or a rate of 1 to 4 LB per month.
- Obtain a dietary management prescription specifying total
number of calories per day and recommended percentage of
calories from fat, protein and carbohydrates from your pediatrician.
- Begin physical activity according to child's fitness
level, with ultimate goal of 20 to 30 minutes per day (in
addition to any school activity).
- Support your child's behavior modification process through
self-monitoring, nutritional education, stimulus control,
modification of eating habits, physical activity, attitude
change, reinforcements and rewards.
- Review your families activities and television viewing patterns; involve everyone in nutrition counseling.
There are comprehensive weight management programs for children and adolescents which should be attempted before weight loss surgery is even considered. One such facility is the Cincinnati Weight Management Center at the Children's Hospital Medical Center.
But not all children succeed in the behavior modification
fight against obesity. When supervised behavioral and nutritional
weight control strategies do not result in sustained success,
bariatric surgery may be an option - consult your doctor.
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What is the cost
of weight loss surgery?
LAP-BAND® usually requires a 1-2 day hospital stay and 2-3 weeks recovery time depending upon the type of work you do and can cost between $12,000 - $15,000. Gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy surgery usually requires a 2-4 day hospital stay and 3-6 weeks recovery time depending upon the type of work you do. Costs can range from $17,000 to $25,000 and although many patients have had to fight for coverage, more insurers are beginning to pay, recognizing that the surgery can save them money in the long run.
Some patients may choose to pay for the weight loss surgery themselves. There are two fees to consider, one for the bariatric surgeon and another for your hospital stay. Some doctors can work with you on their pricing or payment plans. Companies such as Capital One® Healthcare Financesm makes it easy to afford the reconstructive or cosmetic surgery that you need or want. Use them to pay for procedures, from $1,500 to $25,000.
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Will my insurance
cover weight loss surgery?
If you contact us, we can handle insurance matters for you. In any event, you might be surprised to learn that many insurance companies will cover the treatment of health problems caused by obesity but not obesity itself. Many health insurance companies (PPO) will cover much of the cost for weight loss surgery procedures. We recommend you contact us and let us determine what weight loss surgery procedures and level of coverage you are eligible for.
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What if I don't
have health insurance?
If you do not have insurance, don't give up! You still may
have a couple options available in obtaining treatment. One
is simply finding a way to pay for the surgery your self.
Some doctors can work with you on their pricing or payment
plans. Companies such as Capital One® makes it easy to afford the reconstructive or cosmetic surgery that
you need or want. Use them to pay for procedures, from $1,500
to $25,000. Contact us and we will help you with your options.
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How safe is weight loss surgery (LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy)?
Like every operation, there is a risk. Because you may already have health-related problems, there is an increased risk of complications. Your doctor should thoroughly screen you to make sure that there are no surprises on the operating table.
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How long will I
be in the hospital after LAP-BAND® surgery?
For the LAP-BAND® procedure, the average patient is out of the hospital the same day. For the Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy, the average stay is one to two days.
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Can all types
of bariatric surgery be performed laparoscopically?
Theoretically all kinds of surgical procedures for obesity such as laparoscopic gastric bypass, stomach stapling (gastric bypass), and other weight loss procedures can be performed laparoscopically (also called minimally invasive surgery), because it is performed through very small incisions and because postoperative hospital stay is shorter and recovery is quicker.
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When can I go back
to work after the weight loss surgery?
This really depends on the type of weight loss surgery you have and the type of job you do. For gastric bypass surgery, most patients can proceed with a regular activities after 6 weeks. If you work in a low-impact office, you may be able to go back to work after 3 weeks. If you are a construction worker, you may be able to go back after 6 weeks. Each patient heals on their own time, so everyone will recover on their own time.
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Will I still
be able to get pregnant?
Most doctors will strongly recommend for you to not get pregnant after your first year of the operation. Most of the excess weight is lost during this time. Your fetus' health may also be endangered.
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Can I drink
alcohol?
Please consult your physician regarding use of alcohol.
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What can I do
about extra skin and stretch marks?
Many patients opt for plastic surgery, but we recommend you wait until you reach your ideal body weight before any plastic surgery.
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How soon can I exercise after the LAP-BAND® operation?
After the LAP-BAND® surgery, most doctors recommend you exercise to help you lose the weight more quickly. Regular exercise can usually proceed after 2-3 weeks, but consult your doctor.
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Do I have to
take medicine after surgery?
Your body needs to receive the proper vitamins in order to survive. Your doctor will also go over with you any medicines you need to take. Most patients actually stop taking their medication from pre-surgery because they are healthy!
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What kind of foods
will I be able to eat and drink?
Stomach Stapling: Usually right after the operation, you are put on a strict menu of liquid foods. You will be on a strict diet plan while you heal. The doctor will let you know what foods you will be able to eat and when you start eating them. Most patients become lactose intolerant after the operation. Your obesity treatment facility should work with you after the operation to change your diet and show you which foods are good for you and which are not. You will eat whatever you want, but in small portions. Even so, your appetite will feel satiated, and you will not feel hungry.
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How fast will I lose the weight after LAP-BAND® surgery, and is it dangerous?
Weight loss surgery is a tool to help you loose weight, and exercise and diet will help you achieve your ideal body weight. A recent study followed 50 people (for two years) with body mass indexes of 30 to 40 (meaning they were obese) who underwent gastric banding with the LAP-BAND® System. Participants had been obese for minimum of five years and averaged about 3.5 co-morbidities (obesity-related conditions).
Study participants lost an average of 60% of their weight two years out, but losing 20 to 30% of weight in less than a year was enough to improve or even resolve type 2 diabetes in 87.5% of patients, the study showed. What's more, losing about 50% of excess weight resulted in improvement or resolution of sleep apnea in 87.5% of patients. Participants with high blood pressure who lost 40 to 50% of their excess weight were able to lower their blood pressure, and 72.7% of those patients with high cholesterol who lost just 30 to 40% of their weight saw a major improvement, if not a complete resolution, of their high cholesterol, the study showed. As the study shows, losing weight this fast is generally not a dangerous process, in fact, just losing a percentage of excess weight can resolve some serious co-morbidities. If you undergo the gastric bypass procedure, your weight loss will tend to be faster but you can achieve a similar result with the LAP-BAND® System.
Study Source:
Sultan S., Parikh M., Youn H., et al., How much EWL is enough? A Bayesian analysis to determine minimal EWL to deliver improvement/resolution of co-morbidities after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in patients with BMI 30-40. Presented at 25th annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Washington, D.C. June 15-20, 2008. Presentation No. PL-17
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Can I get
this weight loss surgery reversed?
If for some strange reason it becomes medically necessary, the LAP-BAND® System is reversible - laparoscopically. The LAP-BAND® System is designed to be a permanent weight loss tool. Even a gastric bypass patient can have the procedure reversed, although it is much more involved. The Sleeve Gastrectomy patient can not have the procedure reversed as a large portion of the stomach is permanently removed from the patient. Ask your doctor about your specific situation.
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How about after LAP-BAND® surgery - are there support groups?
Many treatment facilities have a network of support groups in their area and we highly recommend that you participate in them. Ask your doctor.
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I had gastric bypass/lap band surgery but have since forgotten my doctors' recommended daily nutritional requirements and I can't get in contact
with him. Can you help me?
We suggest that you contact us to get more information about diet plans, weight loss products and supplements required after a specific bariatric surgical procedure. If you have forgotten who your doctor was just choose another practicing near you, they would be happy to help you.
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my current web page?
There are several ways to print the web page currently displayed in your browser. Choose any one of these methods to print the current page.
- Click the "Print" button in your Internet Explorer toolbar. Look for the icon of the printer at the top of your browser. s
- From the File menu, choose Print... When the print dialog
box appears, click "Print."
- Hold down the Control key on your keyboard and press the
"p" button (Cntrl+P).
- Point your mouse cursor at any blank space on the web page itself and right click your mouse button. From the menu that appears, select "Print."
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From Out of State?
Travel to us, many do!
We can assist you in coordinating all of your travel arrangements. More and more people travel to undergo weight loss surgery. The reasons vary, but usually include cost, opportunities to visit family or friends, the desire to stick with a particular surgeon or program, or simply to combine a medical treatment with a vacation.
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