Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Lap Band Vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery by Terry Lile

Over the past decade, weight loss solutions have been on the tip of everyones tongues. No longer just a dead end, many obese individuals now have the opportunity to save their lives. Thanks to surgeries such as gastric bypass and lap band, losing hundreds of pounds is entirely possible and recognized as a normal procedure. Due to the countless amount of alternatives, it can become overwhelming to try and figure out which surgery is the best option for you.

Gastric Bypass surgery is one of the most popular weight loss procedures used today. It is targeted at overly obese people, who are under the age of 65 and usually have a BMI of 40 or higher. Gastric Bypass decreases ones stomach size, completing avoiding the small intestine. As a result, when you eat meals, you become full much more quickly. This not only limits your food intake but also decreases how many calories you are consuming.

Within the first year and a half, patients will lose weight rapidly. Even still, you need to make sure that a diet is in place. Eating junk food will affect your heart and in time, can pack on the pounds. You also will need to take multi-vitamins, given that nutrients are often lost because the small intestine is no longer absorbing what it needs to. Additional side effects include ulcers, vomiting, hernias, blood clots and even anemia.

Lap band, on the other hand, does not require any stapling of the stomach. It actually is a safer procedure, given that organs are not compromised. Lap Band surgery consists of placing a ring around the top of the stomach, which forms a small pouch that limits food intake . Within minutes after eating, you will feel full. The beauty of this surgery is that it is completely customized to the patient. It allows you to lose weight, but at a healthy pace, which prevents the skin from stretching. The band can easily be removed and does not decrease fertility. But with any surgery, comes a series of side effects. Lap Band is relatively minimal - you may experience hair loss, nausea and risk infection. Nonetheless, it is one of the safer surgeries available today.

In today's society, we all crave perfection and weight loss. We aren't looking for a long term fix, we want results now. For morbidly obese individuals, Gastric Bypass is a fast and more effective solution, though sometimes can be dangerous to your health. If you are obese and looking for something that is safe, has minimal risk and can change your life, Lap Band may be a better alternative. Regardless of what you choose, both surgeries can be extremely effective and fight the battle of obesity. For many, these surgeries shed the pounds, enabling a new person to emerge. It has given us the gift of hope, a second chance, a fresh path.

"To learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery, visit http://www.TerminalObesity.com/ where you'll find this and more, including life after weight loss surgery."

About the Author

"To learn more about the different types of weight loss surgery, visit http://www.TerminalObesity.com/ where you'll find this and more, including life after weight loss surgery."

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