If you are considering the lap band procedure, a type of gastric bypass surgery, you are likely trying to find out everything that you can about the surgical process. Lap band surgery falls into the category of bariatric surgical procedures and there are three main categories of bariatric surgical procedures, which include predominately malabsorptive procedures, predominately restrictive procedures, and mixed procedures, which include some characteristics of the two previous types.

Predominately malabsorbative procedures are rare, but used to be the most common type. Due to the long term need for nutritional follow up care, and other health and safety factors, most physicians will not perform these procedures. As dramatic as the results achieved through bariatric surgery may be, it is important to remember that it is only a tool, and does not fix weight problems in and of itself.

Predominantly restrictive procedures are performed with the goal of reducing the size of the stomach and include adjustable gastric or lap band surgery, and gastric bypass surgery, in addition to mixed procedures.

Lap band surgery is generally recommended for patients who are morbidly obese, defined as having a BMI of 40 or greater. It is less invasive than gastric bypass and the lap band procedure involves the placement of a gastric band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits food intake. Like gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery is also performed laproscopically. Patients have reported a faster recovery time, and faster results in some cases when dietary guidelines for post surgery are adhered to.

Before your lapband surgery, it is recommended that you continue or begin an exercise program , make healthy food choices, and give up smoking and drinking all carbonated beverages, including alcohol. The amount of weight you lose depends on your adherence to the instructions set forth by your physician. While the transition may be difficult at first, it is important to keep your weight loss goals in mind.

Keep in mind that the lap band procedure involves dramatic lifestyle changes, as described above, and that the success of your surgery is dependent entirely on your willingness to adopt healthier habits and work towards adopting a healthier lifestyle overall. The lap band procedure involves a commitment on the part of the patient, but with hard work and dedication it is possible to achieve dramatic results and reshape not only your body but your mind as well.