This obesity surgery is a non-permanent weight loss treatment that has become a popular option for people suffering from clinically severe obesity. It is also called gastric banding, involves creating a smaller stomach chamber. Unlike gastric bypass, this operation is easily reversible, a distinct advantage for prospective patients concerned about the possible side effects of bariatric surgery.

The good thing about this operation is that it does not involve any cutting or stapling of the stomach. In addition, it can be adjusted to the patient's need after surgery without any operation. For patients requiring more nutrition, like pregnant women, they can have their bands loosened. For patients who are not adequately benefitting can have their gastric bands tightened. Lap Band obesity surgery is the only adjustable surgical treatment available in the United States as of now.

The device used is made out of Silastic, a type of plastic that does not react with internal body tissues. An inflatable tube is located inside the band; when inflated with an injection of saline solution, the tube provides adjustable gastric banding. The reservoir used for injecting solution is implanted under the skin during gastric Lap Band obesity surgery. A bariatric surgeon can adjust the tube at a later date by injecting or removing saline solution.

As with any medical procedure, Lap Band obesity surgery results vary from patient to patient and depend on several factors. Two of the major benefits of this band surgery are 1)successful, safe, and effective weight loss and 2)freedom from many obesity-related health problems.

Other benefits that are specific to gastric surgery includes: minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, stomach remains intact, no stomach stapling, normal intestinal function, adjustable gastric band, fully reversible procedure, relatively short recovery. Risks and complications of band surgery may include: stomach wall deterioration, formation of ulcers, vomiting, heartburn, gas bloat, and difficulty in swallowing.

Like gastric bypass surgery, it reduces the size of the stomach and allows patients to feel full after consuming very little food. Bariatric surgeons generally prefer the this procedure as it involves less discomfort and a shorter recovery period.

Still, Lap Band obesity surgery, is not completely without risk even though it is considered the safest of surgeries for obesity. The device may require repair and time consuming additional minor operations, and weight loss is very dependent on longterm follow-up visits. Plus, certain foods may never be well tolerated by patients.

Obesity is a serious problem, whatever age you are, and whatever stage you are in your life. For this reason it is important that obesity is not ignored but addressed as soon as possible so that people can enjoy their life for the full with as few physical ailments as possible.