Thursday, July 23, 2009

What is the Difference between Lap Band Surgery and Port Replacement Surgery?

By Amy Nutt

Obesity has become a serious health problem for millions of people. An unhealthy weight gain does not happen overnight. Causes of obesity can include a poor diet, genetic factors, and a lack of exercise. The consequences of long term obesity can include heart disease, depression, diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, liver disease, and much more. One method of achieving weight loss is Lap Band Surgery. This surgical method of losing weight has become a popular choice for the treatment of obesity.

Lap Band Surgery

Also known as lap band or adjustable gastric banding, Laparoscopic BAND is a medical procedure designed to remove excess weight. An access port is attached to the gastric band with an inflatable balloon. The balloon is filled with saline solution. The access port is placed just under the skin. Using the port, doctors can adjust the amount of saline solution being delivered in the balloon. The amount of saline injected into the balloon depends on how much weight one is planning on losing. The saline can be withdrawn to modify food intake. The lap band is attached around the top section of the stomach, forming a smaller "gastric pouch." The pouch holds less food so the patient will eat less. The patient will feel full with smaller quantities of food. The purpose of the band is to help people lose weight while teaching them to eat in healthy and in moderation. It is also the only reversible weight loss surgery. Scarring is very minimal and recovery time is short. The entire procedure takes about forty minutes.

After a lap band surgery, a patient will spend a few hours in recovery, and then go home. Patients are provided with a home health care program that will teach them how to eat nutritious foods in small amounts. Patients will see their doctor for check ups on an out patient basis. Lap band is an effective and mildly-invasive weigh loss tool.

Port Replacement Surgery

Port Replacement Surgery is performed on a patient if there is a problem with the port after the lap band surgery. Indications of a port problem can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lack of appetite, diarrhea, gastro reflux, abdominal pain, infection, chest pain, incision infection, and blood clots. Some complications with the port can include port leakage, a crack in the tubing, problems with the tube connection from the port to the band, port displacement, infection of the fluid within the band port, and port breakage.

When there is a problem with the port, doctors will often have to replace the port. This is known as port replacement surgery. It is usually done under local anaesthetic. Port replacement surgery is a safe procedure and recovery time is fast

Because obesity has become an epidemic in society, there have been many medical innovations to help patients live longer and healthier lives. Lap band surgery is an effective and safe treatment to help patients reach their ideal weight. Before undergoing any weight loss procedure, it is important to consult with a doctor to discuss all of the weight loss options. Lap band surgery is one method of weight loss that allows obese individuals to lose the excess weight and keep it off.

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