The Lap Band system is the new gastric bypass. Unlike gastric bypass, though, the lap band surgery doesn’t involve cutting and stapling your stomach and re-routing your intestines. Ouch. With a lap band surgery cost averaging between $17,000 – $30,000 in the United States, the big question is “Does the lap band really work?”. The next question is “What will I look like before and after the lap band surgery?” Let’s examine the information from the Internet with a couple of first hand experiences, shall we?
If you haven’t already gotten hooked on the TLC shows about morbidly obese people, view these shows with caution – they are addictive. I think there’s a little inner fatty in all of us that’s just fascinated, wondering “what would happen if I just ate the whole box of donuts?” Speaking from experience, and being in a committed relationship with Hostess Donettes myself, I can tell you that it takes a whole lot longer to get skinny than it did to get fat.
Google statistics tell us that the top searchers for information about lap band surgery, looking for before and after photos, and asking if the lap band surgery really works, are predominantly American and – can you believe it – from TEXAS. I guess everything really is bigger in Texas. Pause.
Whether or not the lap band works seems to be highly variable from patient to patient. Over the past few years, I have met several people who have had the surgery and who seem to be doing well keeping off the weight. Others, however; have fallen back on the fried Twinkie bandwagon and are unhappily wearing fat clothes again. Might I add, though, that if you do get lap band surgery, find a brutally honest friend who will tell you when you need to move up to a bigger size. One lady I know had the lap band surgery and when she started to get fat again, she kept wearing her skinny clothes. Stuffed sausage doesn’t even do it justice – she had everyone at the office wondering if she even owned a mirror.
Lap band surgery risks seem to resemble any other general surgery or laparoscopic procedure. There is a totally unhelpful list at LapBand.com that basically lists every possible risk from heartburn to death. The lap band surgery does, however; seem to be less risky than the old gastric bypass surgery. Plus, if there are complications, the lap band can be removed or adjusted whereas adjustments to the gastric bypass would be much more complex.
For the final poobah, we will examine what you will look like before and after the lap band surgery. I speak from experience here – two pregnancies, 200lbs gained and 160lbs lost. It’s a long road back. Now, in the “before”, you probably look like an orange – round, water tight, and a few dimples on your skin. After the lap band surgery and ensuing weight loss, you will probably resemble a deflated balloon. That’s because after you lose the fat, all the skin that your body grew to stretch over the fatty tissue is left hanging – literally. This condition often causes lap band surgery patients to consider a follow up surgery known as a full body tuck. It leaves several unsightly scars and never quite gets the patient back to their natural born selves, however; it’s an improvement and can make life a little easier after a tremendous weight loss after lap band surgery.
There is a wealth of information out there for your learning enjoyment. There are several good BMI calculators, lap band information sites, lap band support groups, as well as before and after photos of people who have had lap band surgery. Do your research on whether or not you think the lap band surgery will really work for you and then you will be able to advocate for yourself better if you decide to discuss this weight loss option with your doctor.
