Gastric banding surgery is a well-known weight loss surgery in Atlanta. You may have heard of it as LAP-BAND surgery. For this procedure, we place a small plastic band around the upper portion of your stomach, then adjust it to the desired size. This decreases the ability of your stomach to expand, causing you to consume fewer calories while still feeling full.
LAP-BAND surgery was approved by the FDA in 2001 and has since helped over half a million people lose weight. It has a very low mortality rate and is easier to recover from since none of your stomach or intestines are removed, as with other weight loss surgery options. However, this doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you determine if you might be a good candidate for LAP-BAND surgery.
Your BMI
Explain what it is and how to calculate it as well as averages for height/gender
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number that’s calculated using your current weight and height to determine if you are underweight, within a healthy range, overweight, or obese. However, other factors may be taken into consideration by your doctor to determine if you are truly overweight or obese.
There are many calculators available online to help you determine your BMI. If you prefer to do the math on your own, simple take your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches, squared, and multiply by 703:
weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703
Use this chart to determine your weight category:
· Underweight = <18.5
· Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
· Overweight = 25–29.9
· Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
To be eligible for LAP-BAND surgery in Atlanta, you must have a BMI of 40 or higher, or have a BMI of 30 or higher and at least one comorbidity.
Comorbidities
Comorbidities are health conditions you have that are primarily occurring because of your weight. If these conditions would be eliminated or improved by losing weight, they are considered comorbidities. Some examples of these conditions are:
· Hypertension (high blood pressure)
· Sleep apnea
· Diabetes
· Joint pain/arthritis
· Infertility
· High cholesterol
Think You May Qualify for Gastric Banding Surgery?
If you think you might meet the requirements for gastric banding surgery, please schedule an appointment today. During this consultation, we will ask questions about your medical history, take vitals, review your current diet and exercise regimen, and evaluate your past attempts to lose weight. After the assessment, we will be able to determine if LAP-BAND surgery is right for you. In the event we do not recommend it for you, don’t worry. We have plenty of other weight loss surgery options that might be the right fit for you! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call your nearest location for help.
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