There is about 36.5 percent of U.S. adults that suffer from obesity, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with more than 1 in 3 adults being considered overweight. As concerns over obesity grow, surgical options are becoming popular alongside programs for lifestyle modifications.
Gastric Banding
Also known as lap band surgery, this procedure is one of the many surgical options out there that are designed to treat obesity. It involves the placement of an adjustable belt around the upper portion of the stomach. This is done using a laparoscope. The band serves to restrict the size of the stomach as well as the amount of food it can hold. It also slows the passage of food to the intestine. The result? You feel fuller much, much sooner rather than later so you stop eating.
Are you a candidate?
This treatment is ideal for those who are about 45 kilos beyond their ideal body weight. If you are starting to suffer from medical conditions related to your weight then this is also a good option to consider. High blood pressure problems and diabetes are just a few of these. Also, if you’ve already failed a number of weight loss methods in the past, then this option provides you with an easy way to get the extra weight off for good. This is restricted to adults, however, and can only be performed on patients older than 18 years of age.
How to prepare for one?
Preparation will vary depending on your doctor or program. However, your doctor might suggest changes to your meals or tell you to try to wean yourself off from high calorie food like milk shakes or ice cream. To make sure you can properly prepare for the procedure, discuss it in detail with your doctor.
