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About Lap Band Weight Loss Results

Lap-Band is a type of weight loss surgery that uses an adjustable band to control the amount of food a person can eat. It accomplishes this by restricting the space in the stomach to reduce its food-holding capacity. A Lap-Band doesn't require rerouting a patient's intestines or cutting and stapling the stomach. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is minimally invasive compared to many gastric bypass techniques and is completely adjustable and reversible.

  1. Weight Loss

    • The amount of weight that can be lost through Lap-Band surgery varies for each patient. Overall, the average is about 1 1/2 to 2 lb. lost each week after the surgery. This can fluctuate, depending on how much you weighed before your Lap-Band surgery, how much you eat after the surgery and whether or not you exercise as part of your weight loss plan.

    Time Frame

    • After Lap-Band surgery, your most significant weight loss should occur within the first year following the procedure. According to studies cited by Lap-Band's manufacturer, Allergan, most patients lose over 34 percent of their excess pounds within 6 month and over 50 percent by the end of the first year. A long-term study in "Obesity Surgery" magazine found that Lap-Band patients had a 55 percent loss at the end of 5 years.

    Safety

    • Losing weight too quickly by any means, including Lap-Band surgery, can be unhealthy. Some patients who have had Lap-Band surgery will lose weight more rapidly than others. Generally, this weight loss should not exceed 2 to 3 lb. each week to stay within a safe and healthy range.

    Comparison

    • Patients who have Lap-Band surgery tend to lose weight less quickly than those who have had traditional gastric bypass surgery. However, after the 5-year post-surgery mark, there is no difference in total amount of weight lost between the two groups. Lap-Band patients also have the same success level as gastric bypass patients in being able to maintain their weight loss for the long term.

    Benefits

    • When a patient has good weight loss results from her Lap-Band surgery, she may also realize some overall health benefits. These typically include an improvement in conditions such as snoring/sleep apnea, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The weight loss may also reduce any knee pain by removing additional stress from the knees.

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