Lap band surgery is a treatment option for severely obese individuals who have not been able to achieve success with conventional forms of weight loss. There are many benefits to this type of treatment when compared to traditional gastric bypass surgical procedures, but this surgery should only be undertaken with the advice of a physician and is not for everyone.

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.

In general, qualifying criteria include being at least eighteen years of age, seventy five pounds above your ideal weight, a body mass index of 40 or greater or 35 or greater, depending on certain health conditions. Candidates must also not be suffering from any disease that may have caused or contributed to their obesity and must be prepared to make significant lifestyle changes.

During this procedure, a gastric banding device is inserted via tiny incisions in the abdomen and positioned around the upper part of the stomach to create n effect a new stomach and lower stomach capacity. This procedure involves no cutting, or stapling of the stomach, can be adjusted to the needs of the patient, is fully reversible, and entails a short hospital stay.

Before your lap band 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.

The gastric band will not make you feel deprived, because it reduces the size of your stomach. If you follow the provided nutrition guidelines and chew your food well, you should not feel deprived. Eating foods that contain large amounts of sugar, however, may reduce or negate the benefits of the gastric band. The lap band is not meant to be removed, but can be, although surgeons report that the stomach usually returns to its normal size after this procedure. If you become pregnant while wearing the band, it can be loosened to accommodate your nutritional needs.