There’s no doubt that lap band surgery has changed countless lives for the better, but this doesn’t mean that the procedure is easy or doesn’t require significant lifestyle changes. Deciding whether or not a lap band is right for you is a personal choice that will depend on a number of different factors, including your medical history and desire to lose weight. Before you rush into any decisions, take a moment to look at the pros and cons of this procedure to better determine if it’s a good choice for you.
Pros
- It’s safer than other weight loss surgeries.
There are multiple types of weight loss surgery that can help obese patients, but lap band surgery is the safest. While it does require some incisions, they are minimal and are much less invasive than other forms, which can require large incisions and cuts to internal organs.
- It’s flexible.
While having a lap band fitted is a long-term commitment, it’s not as permanent as, say, gastric bypass surgery, which removes parts of the stomach. In addition to being removable, lap bands can be adjusted to provide you an individualized level of restriction if your needs change over time.
- It’s effective.
Lap band surgery has been shown to be an effective means of weight loss. While individual results vary, studies show that most patients are able to lose and keep off anywhere from 50 to 60 pounds. Some lap band wearers may not ever reach their final goal weight, but significant losses like this can still greatly improve a person’s health.
- It’s not prohibitively expensive.
Some insurance providers will completely cover the costs of lap band surgery for patients who are at a high risk of health complications from obesity. However, even if the procedure is not covered, it’s still less expensive than other weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass.
Cons
- It has surgical risks.
Just like every medical procedure, lap band surgery poses some minimal but potentially dangerous health risks. While these risks rarely result in lethal complications, they are unpleasant.
- It’s not a miracle cure.
Even with a lap band, losing weight will be difficult. Although it provides you a strong physical stimulus to not overeat, many patients still struggle with the emotional aspects of weight loss. Patients who ignore their doctor’s dietary orders may find that they continue to gain weight, even with the lap band.
- It can make life unpleasant.
Most lap band patients will experience some stomach trouble, especially in the weeks immediately following the surgery. This includes things like vomiting, acid reflux, and diarrhea. These negative side effects are best mitigated by closely following your diet plan.
- It can slip.
Band slippage is a problem that affects roughly 20% of lap band patients. Even small movements up or down from its original position can cause issues like severe vomiting or acid reflux. When this happens, patients’ only option is more surgery to return the lap band to its correct position.
