Thursday, October 2, 2008

What Is Lap Band Surgery And Is It Right For You?

The popularity of weight loss surgery, such as laser liposuction, continues to rise, with thousands of people undergoing these procedures annually. Another such procedure is the Lap Band surgery. This involves placing a belt around the top of your stomach and it is adjustable. It works because the person eats less, but feels full sooner. They may have as many as eight adjustments to the band within the first year, once or twice the second year and rarely is one needed for the third year.

However, as easy as some of the procedures sound, surgery for weight loss is not for someone who is looking for a quick fix or for those who just don't want to diet. Most people who undergo this type of elective surgery for weight loss must still follow strict dietary guidelines or risk being disappointed in their weight loss. Exercise is still a key part of losing weight, even after surgery. Patients who exercise at least 30 minutes a day will lose weight 30% faster.

Weight loss surgery is not for everyone and there are guidelines which your doctor will insist that you follow to determine if Lap Band surgery is right for you. One key component in making this determination is your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is determined by a calculation based on height and weight.

As it is an invasive surgery, all factors need to be taken into consideration and figuring your BMI is one consideration. Your BMI is determined by calculating your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared and is categorized as follows: Healthy Weight has a BMI between 19 and 25, Overweight would be between 25 and 30, over 30 is considered obese and if your BMI is 40 or more it is considered morbidly obese.

However, your BMI is not the only factor that your doctor considers. For example, if your BMI is over 40, or more than 35 with obesity related health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc., then you may qualify for the procedure. A few other considerations for this type of operation would be if you were twice your ideal weight or at least 100 pounds overweight. If you have been overweight for 5 or more years and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise, then you may be a good candidate.

Just as there are conditions that may make you a good candidate for Lap Band surgery, there are some for whom this type of weight loss surgery would not be suited. Some of these people may include those who suffer from a severe psychiatric illness, are addicted to drugs or alcohol and for cancer patients who are not in remission, Sometimes, but not always, patients over 65 would not be suitable, women planning to get pregnant within a year, or someone who may have unrealistic expectations and will not adhere to restricting food intake.

To learn more go to Alternative To Liposuction and at Tumescent Liposuction

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