In the early 21st century, the Lap-Band procedure became a very popular choice for patients looking to lose large amounts of excess weight despite past failures with diet and exercise. It became a competitor to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve procedures, quickly garnering support due to its lower cost and high effectiveness.
However, this surgery has lost favor over the years due to issues concerning long-term complications. Despite this, it still remains a popular option for patients looking for an effective, reversible weight loss surgery. So how much weight can you really lose with the Lap-Band, and should you choose Lap-Band surgery as an option for rapid weight loss?
What Is Lap-Band Surgery?
The adjustable gastric band, often called the Lap-Band, is a silicone band that constricts the top part of the stomach. The goal is to reduce the size of the stomach, similar to procedures such as the gastric bypass or the gastric sleeve.
However, the Lap-Band differs from the other surgeries in that it’s easily reversible: all a patient needs to do to reverse Lap-Band surgery is have the surgeon remove the band. Lap-Band removal is not a risky procedure, and as a result, many bariatric patients choose Lap-Band over more conventional weight loss surgeries.
Lap-Band is a trademark of Allergan, Inc, and is not a generic name for adjustable gastric banding procedures.
How Much Weight Can You Lose With Lap-Band Surgery?
The average weight loss for Lap-Band patients, in total, is 50% of excess weight. To calculate excess weight, take your current weight and subtract your ideal weight (or weight at a healthy BMI).
For example, if a patient weighs 400 pounds but their ideal weight is 150 pounds, their excess weight is 250 pounds and they can expect to lose 125 pounds with Lap-Band surgery. Their resulting weight is 275 pounds.
However, this is an average. Some patients lose far more weight, and others do not have very good results. But what actually affects these results, and how can you maximize weight loss with Lap-Band surgery?
Factors Affecting Weight Loss After Lap-Band Surgery
Diet & Eating Habits Post-Op
The lynchpin that holds everything together is diet. A Lap-Band patient that is successful at meeting their weight loss goals and surpasses the average weight loss is a patient that sticks to healthy eating habits post-op. They stick to the diet prescribed to them by the doctor and do not return to old habits after recovering.
Exercise Regimen
Although a patient cannot do much exercise immediately after the surgery, they will be allowed to introduce exercise at the doctor’s instruction. A patient that exceeds expectations exercises daily and aims to progress to more calorie-burning workouts as they recover.
Starting BMI and Weight
Heavier patients typically lose more weight. This is just due to math. However, it also depends on BMI. A person with a higher BMI is more likely to lose more weight.
Adjusting the Band
If the Lap-Band needs adjustments, this could affect weight loss. The nice thing about the Lap-Band is that if the patient doesn’t get the results they want, they can adjust the band to make them feel fuller on smaller portions.
In Summary
- The Lap-Band procedure is a popular weight loss option that is also reversible.
- A Lap-Band patient will lose, on average, 50% of their excess weight.
- There are many factors affecting potential weight loss after Lap-Band surgery.
