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Bariatric Surgery
(Weight Loss Surgery)
Woodland Heights Medical Center is pleased to be the first
facility in Lufkin to offer the latest technology in weight
loss surgery. The LAP-BAND System is the least invasive
surgery to reduce the amount of food your stomach can hold.
The name “LAP-BAND” comes from the surgical technique used
(laparoscopic, or “keyhole,” surgery) and the name of the
product used (gastric band).
LAP-BAND surgery does not result in permanent changes to
your stomach or your intestines. The band can be removed,
should that become necessary. When the band is removed, the
stomach generally returns to its original form. In general,
it is easier to remove the LAP-BAND than it is to reverse
other kinds of surgical procedures for obesity.
With the LAP-BAND, weight loss is slow and gentle—not as
rapid from the start as with Gastric Bypass. Regular
follow-up visits for nutrition and exercise education as
well as for adjustments are necessary, however, for optimum
results.
The United States Food and Drug Administration's Office of
Device Evaluation named the LAP-BAND System as one of the
Significant Device Breakthroughs of 2001.
LAP-BAND System Advantages compared to Gastric By Pass
Surgery
- Least invasive approach
- No stomach stapling or cutting, or
intestinal rerouting
- Adjustable
- Reversible
- Lowest operative complication rate
- Lowest mortality rate
- Low malnutrition risk
- No increased risk of hair loss
- No "dumping syndrome"
Are you a Candidate for the LAP-BAND
Procedure? You may be recommended for the LAP-BAND
system if:
- Your BMI is at least 40
- You weigh at least 100 pounds more
then your ideal weight
- Your BMI is at least 35 and you are
suffering from serious health problems
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a history of being overweight
- Have made serious attempts to lose
weight but have had only short-term success
- Do not have any other disease that
could have caused you to be overweight
- Are prepared to attend regular follow
up sessions and make changes in your lifestyle
- Do not drink alcohol in excess
Additional Information
To learn more about the LAP-BAND Procedure, contact the
hospital's Bariatric Coordinator at (936)
634-0568.
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