Most people are familiar with gastric bypass surgery for weight loss, but may not have heard about laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or lap band surgery for weight loss. The gastric band is a device that looks similar to a shower curtain ring and has an inflatable section around the inside of the ring. The band fits around the upper portion of the stomach. The diameter of the section between the smaller top half of the stomach and the larger bottom half can be narrowed or widened by injecting into or removing saline from the inflatable section of the band. Lap band surgery advantages are many, especially when compared to other weight loss surgery.

One advantage to the lap band surgery is that the stomach or small intestine is not cut or re-routed. This makes the lap band surgery reversible should the need arise in the future. The lap band placement does not create absorption problems or malnutrition as in gastric bypass.

Anesthesia risks are considerably decreased because the surgery is much shorter. Most lap band surgeries are an hour or less. Band surgery has far fewer complications during and after surgery.

Because the surgery is much less invasive, the recovery time is also considerably shorter. It is not unusual for a lap band patient to return to work (with restrictions on lifting) within a week’s time after having the procedure done.

With an adjustable gastric band weight loss is considerably slower compared to gastric bypass weight loss speed. The slower weight loss permits the skin to adjust to the weight loss. This results in less sagging skin when all of the weight is lost.

As you can see, there are many lap band surgery advantages. Gastric banding is an excellent choice for someone who wants to lose weight at a slower pace, have the choice to remove the band without damage to the internal organs and who prefers a shorter recovery time.

Lap Band Toronto is a highly popular and comprehensive web site that offers information on Obesity, weight loss, lap band and gastric bypass surgery.

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