Lap band surgery is no doubt an effective way to lose weight. However, it’s still an invasive procedure that requires a huge commitment from patients, which means that’s it’s not something you should rush into. You definitely need to consider the physical risks of the procedure, but it’s also important you think about the long-term repercussions of lap band surgery as well. Before you decide to go under the knife, here are a few things to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Medical Requirements
The FDA lays out specific regulations as to who is a qualified candidate for lap band surgery. These qualifications are essential, as you cannot legally receive the procedure without them. First, you’ve got to consider your BMI. The surgery was originally intended for those with a BMI of 40 or higher, but recent changes to regulations now allow people with a BMI as low as 30 to have a lap band fitted, as long as they are suffering from at least one weight-related condition. These conditions include hypertension, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and osteoarthritis. In addition to the BMI requirements, patients must also be between the ages of 18 and 60 and must have attempted weight loss through diet and exercise first.
Surgical Risks
There are several surgical risks you should consider before deciding on lap band surgery. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which carries some risk to patients. There is the potential for an allergic reaction to the drugs used, but this risk is only about 1 in 10,000. Additionally, only about 5% of reactions result in death. There’s also the risk of surgical complications such as blood clots, internal bleeding, or infection, but these are rare as well.
Emotional Toll
Many people are surprised by the emotional toll lap band surgery can have on them. While there is typically some excitement about the prospect of losing weight immediately after the procedure, many patients find this gives way to frustration and anger when the weight loss doesn’t come as quickly as they had hoped. It’s also possible to be overwhelmed by the dietary and lifestyle changes that are required for the surgery to be a success. Even though lap band surgery will make your weight loss goals much easier to achieve, it’s by no means a guarantee that your journey will be an easy one.
Social Stigma
Even though lap band surgery is becoming increasingly popular, there is still some social stigma surrounding the procedure. Many naysayers see it as a cop-out for people who don’t possess the willpower to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Even though you will undoubtedly have lots of supporters, there’s still the risk that some people will have bad things to say about your decision.
