Month: April 2020

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Countless individuals have found success with the Lap-Band® Program. The procedure is performed laparoscopically, and there is no rerouting of the stomach or intestines, so patients are able to recover quickly and start their health journeys. The procedure is adjustable, which makes it a great option for many people who need to lose a significant amount of weight. Along with the procedure, aftercare programs that offer counseling, coaching, education, and support are proven to help achieve the best long-term weight-loss results. Just take it from Michelle, who lost 162 pounds with the Lap-Band System. 

Making the change

Michelle knew she needed to make a health change when she lost her husband to esophageal cancer. The numbers on the scale were climbing, and she feared for her life. She had two young children at the time, and she knew they couldn’t lose another parent. “It’s life or death for me,” she says. “I really believed it was, because I didn’t have a life before Lap-Band.”

Choosing the right option

There are several bariatric procedures to choose from. However, unlike other options, Lap-Band is both reversible and non-anatomy altering. “I chose Lap-Band because I didn’t want any of my organs detached and reattached,” she says. The Lap-Band is also adjustable, which has allowed Michelle to maintain her weight loss for six years.

Living a better life

With significant weight loss comes big life changes, and Michelle is no stranger to that. Many individuals notice improvement in comorbid conditions once they lose weight with Lap-Band. They are able to enjoy their life again; their energy levels improve, they feel good about their body, and they are able to participate in activities they couldn’t for many years. Michelle knew it was a big deal when she realized she could sit comfortably in a chair again, fit in a restaurant booth, and ride on a rollercoaster.

Taking the leap

Taking the first step is perhaps the most difficult one. “I know there are people out there that feel exactly the same way I did,” she says. You may feel like there is nothing that can help you or that you can’t make the change. “Yes, you can,” says Michelle. “If I can do it, you can do it.”

If you are in the Louisville, Kentucky area, visit www.lapbandoflouisville.com to meet with Michelle’s surgeons who offer the full Lap-Band Program with state-of-the-art aftercare.

*Results and patient’s experiences may vary. 

Before you have the Lap-Band® Procedure done, you will need to commit to making a life change. While the Lap-Band is a non-anatomy altering, reversible procedure, it still requires lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle and a specific way of eating. Thankfully, there are great resources to help you adjust following your procedure. 

Dietary Changes

Immediately following the Lap-Band Procedure, you will need to follow a specific dietary plan provided to you by your specialist or dietitian. This plan will not only include the specific foods you may choose from, but portion recommendations and instructions on how to cut food into small pieces and chew them. Immediately following surgery, you will be required to follow a liquid diet for several days. Then you will move to soft foods before slowly adding in foods that require minimal chewing. Once you’ve passed the 42-day mark, or your specialist approves it, you may begin incorporating normal foods into your diet. Your specialist will provide you a list of safe foods and ones that are not recommended. 

Lap-Band Patients will need to commit to choosing high-quality foods. Because your new stomach pouch is so small, you don’t want to fill it with junk foods that lack the necessary nutrients your body needs. Skip foods or drinks high in sugar, fat, and excess calories, and instead choose lean proteins, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. You will also want to avoid high-calorie, sugary drinks. Stick to water and sugar-free fruit juices. 

Chew Slowly

Not only will you need to adjust the foods you are eating, you will need to cut your food into small pieces and chew slowly. Your food needs to be mush in order to accommodate your new stomach opening. This will not only help you avoid stomach irritation, but it will lower your chance of minor complications with the band, such as slippage, stomach blockage, or an expanded stomach pouch. Taking small bites and chewing slowly will help you feel satisfied and full without overeating. 

Avoid Snacking

It’s best to avoid snacking between meals. It is one of the primary reasons for weight gain or no weight loss. You should stick to three small meals per day. Your Lap-Band should be adjusted so that three meals per day properly fills you. If you often find yourself hungry between meals, there is a chance that your band is too loose and you need to have it adjusted. 

Stay Active

You will want to stay active after the Lap-Band Procedure. Exercise is a healthy part of any weight-loss program, and there are no exercise restrictions with the Lap-Band. 

Aftercare

Aftercare is absolutely crucial after the Lap-Band Process, whether you are having your Lap-Band adjusted or simply following up with your specialist. Staying in contact with your Lap-Band Team will help you stay engaged in your weight-loss program. 

As the weight begins to come off, you will notice changes to your body. Many individuals experience increased energy and are able to do things they couldn’t previously, whether it be daily activities or specific exercises. The weight-loss journey can be an emotional one, and we recommend building a strong support system consisting of your family, friends, and Lap-Band Team.

Source: 

• Lap-Band Surgical Aid in the Treatment of Obesity: A Decision Guide for Adults

If you’re considering the Lap-Band® Procedure, you probably have a long list of questions. There are plenty of stories out there, but you don’t trust any random person, and you know that everyone is different. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Thankfully, we’re here to answer the questions you might not have otherwise read about.

Are you wondering if you will have a scar after the Lap-Band Procedure? It’s a great question. Scars can cause people a lot of distress. They may feel self-conscious and want to cover their scars up. However, with their large amount of weight loss after the gastric banding procedure, patients may want to show off their new bodies in a bikini at the pool or in a crop top on vacation. However, if they have a huge scar, they might want to cover up. It’s important to know what to expect before you go into the procedure so you can prepare.

Because the Lap-Band is performed laparoscopically, it is less likely to have a large scar as compared to other bariatric surgeries that aren’t performed laparoscopically and instead use a large incision. In a laparoscopic surgery, several small keyhole cuts are made. A laparoscope—a thin, lighted tool—is inserted to show what’s going on during the procedure. You will be left with a few small scars. In an open surgery, there would be a large eight- to ten-inch incision, and therefore a large scar.

Your scarring will depend upon how badly your skin scars and how well you take care of the small incisions after your surgery. If you closely follow your specialist’s instructions and care for your incisions, you should be left with minimal scars. You will want to keep your incisions clean, dry, and dressed as long as necessary. Once they form a scab, do not pick at them—let them heal naturally. Stay hydrated and well-rested to promote healing. Avoid smoking, direct sunlight, and alcohol. If you notice anything weird about your healing incisions—redness, pus, fluids—talk to your doctor immediately because you may have an infection. If you are especially concerned about scarring, talk to your doctor about creams, ointments, or lotions you can use.

Every case is different. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your questions and concerns about scarring. They will discuss your unique circumstances with you so that you will understand the full process before undergoing the Lap-Band Procedure.