Posts Tagged ‘lap band’

LAP-BAND®: Weighing the Benefits and Risks

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Lap-Band Weighing the Benefits and Risks

Lap-Band Weighing the Benefits and Risks

If you’re searching for a successful, long-term weight loss solution, the LAP-BAND® procedure may be on your list of options. But is the adjustable gastric band right for you, and do the benefits outweigh the risks? If you are considering this avenue to weight loss, it is a good idea to thoroughly research the benefits as well as the risks before making a decision.

Benefits of LAP-BAND®

The most obvious benefit is the large amount of weight loss that many patients have experienced. Adjustable gastric bands have enjoyed a very high success rate, helping patients beat obesity and related health conditions like diabetes. Even small amounts of weight loss can cause vast improvement in total health. View some of the weight loss surgery photos from Lap Band Rockies.

One of the most attractive benefits is LAP-BAND®’s affordable weight loss surgery cost — a wise investment when compared with the lifetime medical costs obesity can create.

Centers like Lap Band Rockies provide valuable weight loss surgery support, which helps patients maintain a positive attitude and take the necessary nutrition and fitness steps to reach a healthy Body Mass Index.

Risks of LAP-BAND®

As with all types of surgery, there are risks that patients should be aware of before consenting.

After weight loss surgery, patients must be motivated to stay on track with healthy lifestyle choices. Adjustable gastric band patients must have realistic expectations, and understand the procedure does not guarantee a healthy weight. Without behavioral modification, diet, and exercise, weight loss may not occur.

Potential patients should respect the guidelines for surgery, following through with the procedure only if they meet these guidelines: “If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or 35 or greater with hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pains, or 30 or greater with Type II diabetes, you may be a appropriate candidate for the LAP-BAND® procedure.”

Surgical complications may occur, including infection, band slippage, and stomach obstruction. Set up a weight loss surgery consultation with a skilled adjustable gastric band surgeon to discuss your risks and learn how you can minimize these risks.

If you are considering the adjustable gastric band procedure, get all the answers you need to make an informed decision. Please contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies in Denver to set up your weight loss consultation and orientation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Consultant

The Link Between Weight Reduction and Fertility

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

You’ve probably heard about how the condition of obesity can mean a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Overweight women have an added concern: Obesity has also been linked to ovulation inconsistency and infertility. Also, many obese women have a greater risk of developing minor to major pregnancy complications, including hypertension, gestational diabetes, C-section, early labor, prolonged pregnancy and labor, and toxemia, as well as post-pregnancy conditions like endometrial infection, urinary tract infection.

Research Reports Positive Pregnancy Effects

The good news is: large-volume weight loss may help obese women improve pregnancy rates and decrease birth-related risks. In a special MSNBC two-part series released a few years back, researchers discovered that even small amounts of weight loss had a positive impact on fertility, resulting in menstrual regularity and other indications of health.

A June 2009 University of Sheffield study showed that a mere 5 percent loss of body weight was linked to an average 19 percent increase in blood flow to the womb, which often translated into improved fertility. Participants had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, and most were having problems conceiving due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The improved blood flow from weight loss effectively reduced their testosterone levels and often translated to healthy-functioning ovaries.

LAP-BAND® Provides Great Overall Health Effects

The LAP-BAND® procedure is not just an effective tool to help you achieve weight loss; it has many health benefits — such as enhanced fertility — that can contribute to a better quality of life. At Lap Band Rockies in Denver, CO, an impressive number of female patients have experienced improved chances of conception after weight loss.

Lose Weight, Improve Fertility

If you have had problems getting pregnant, learn more about how LAP-BAND® can contribute to improved fertility. Remember, the LAP-BAND® can be adjusted to meet your changing nutritional needs during and after pregnancy. If you are seriously overweight and wish to improve your overall health, an experienced LAP-BAND® surgeon can give you the facts and help you explore your obesity treatment options.

To set up your personal weight-loss consultation, contact Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum at Lap Band Rockies today.

—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant