Lap-Band Surgery

An Overview of Obesity and Lap-Band Surgery

Obesity is a very troubling problem these days. The alarming statistics show that about two-thirds of adults in the US, about 136 million men and women, are overweight or obese. Of even greater concern is the amount of children and teens in the US that are overweight - nearly one-third of them, or about 25 million kids.

While some may dismiss the issue of weight as a matter of appearance and personal acceptance, obesity is in fact a very real and serious health issue. Those who are severely overweight are more at risk for developing serious health conditions and premature death.

Obesity is a medical condition that is often diagnosed by computing a person's Body Mass Index (BMI), a measurement which takes into account both a person's height and weight. A person may also be determined as obese if they weigh more than 100 pounds over their ideal weight. Obesity may also be indicated by a person's waist measurement - a waist of 40 inches or more for a man and a waist of 35 inches or more for a woman.

Many individuals have struggled with obesity and weight loss for a good portion of their lives and most of them have tried to lose weight in the past thru diet and exercise but have failed. For many people, whether under the care of a doctor or participating in a weight loss program, significant and lasting weight loss has not been achieved. When all else has failed, weight loss surgery may be the method that helps the obese person lose weight and finally reach their weight loss goals.

Weight loss surgery is not a magic pill, but a tool that can help an extremely overweight person lose weight. While gastric bypass surgery has been the more popular choice, the Lap-Band System has been gaining in popularity since it was approved by the US FDA in 2001. The three primary benefits of Lap-Band Surgery include it's safety, reversibility, and adjustability. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, there is no cutting or rerouting of the stomach and intestines with Lap-Band Surgery.

The Lap-Band Surgery cost is approximately $15,000 to $20,000, including pre-op consultations, hospital fees, and post-operative follow-up appointments and adjustments. Weight loss surgery is a major financial decision, but it should be thought of as an investment in your future. The cost may be covered by your insurance company or financing can be obtained thru health lenders.

HOME