There is an ongoing debate right now about the appropriateness of Lap Banding surgery for teenagers. With the global, and prevalent use of lap band surgery in adults people want the FDA to approve its use on teenagers as young as 14.

One study said that 17% of persons ages 12 to 19 were overweight in 2000, doubling since the early 1970s. And with significant health risks of being obese including physical and psychological. It’s easy to see why people are urging the FDA to approve this tool to combat childhood obesity.

Bariatric surgeons do preform lap-band surgery on teenagers who are extremely obese, but right now not many of them do. The reason is that surgeons are hard-pressed to do a procedure on patients that lack FDA approval. The reason is that teenagers are still growing and maturing, and there isn’t a lot known about the long-term risks of Lap-Band surgery on teenagers.

Countless studies have been preformed on adults who’ve undergone Lap Banding surgery, but even then it’s still a benefits verse rewards decision. Right now, there are not many obese teens where the risks are outweighed by the rewards. Especially since there is a lot of risk in the unknown.

Right now Allergan, the makers of the Lap-Band system, is in the midst of clinical trails of the use of the surgery on teenagers and will be done in 2013. But even if those trials go well, there will likely not be a drastic change in the future of teenagers and bariatric surgery.

One of the reasons is because of the lack of physical activity in youths. This generation of kids are the least physical active ever, and there is a certain mentality that might think weight loss surgery is a solution for their obesity. Prompting others to follow suit, seeking bariatric surgery when they are not qualified candidates.

But conversely, if there is a candidate worth of Lap-Banding surgery, it makes sense to get it while they’re young and experience a healthier adulthood. One study found that it cost $549,000 for a 18-year old person to remain obese throughout his life.

Either way, this is a topic that won’t be settled in a year. If you have a comment on this topic please help start a discussion by entering it below.

Choosing the best place for your weight loss surgery whether it is a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, lap band or gastric bypass surgery means seeking out not only the best prices but also a quality, well respected medical facility with highly skilled and experienced doctors.

As weight loss surgery generally is not covered by health insurance in the United States it can be quite expensive. This a driven the trend for medical tourism abroad where health care can be found at a fraction of the cost of the US. Many foreign destinations have tried marketing themselves as great places for different types of medical care. This is far from a novel new idea of fad. In fact medical tourism is now a multi billion dollar business with over a million Americans traveling abroad for medical care each year. Among these destinations, Mexico has emerged as one of the most popular, especially in the field of weight loss surgery. Mexican cities like Mexicali, Tijuana and Monterrey see hundreds of thousands of Americans visiting each year for medical treatment on top of the million plus who have already permanently relocated south to take advantage of a better quality of life and affordable health care.

The cost of gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gatrectomy or lap band surgery in Mexico varies between medical facilities, though can be found ranging between 30-70% of the cost of the same procedures in the US. While this can mean saving even upwards of $10,000 of course price shouldn’t be your only concern. In the search for the best place for your weight loss surgery it is importance to know the difference between small surgery centers and actual hospitals. There are a number of small surgery centers that have popped up south of the border offering a variety of medical services. However these often spend the majority of their budgets on advertising to attract new customers which results either in higher prices or taking away from being able to afford the best doctors and equipment. Your health and safety is certainly not something to play with. In contrast the best Mexican hospitals in Tijuana, Mexicali and Monterrey offer state of the art medical facilities, providing the latest technology and techniques delivered by world class physicians. These hospitals are still able to offer the best discounts without sacrificing service and quality.

Lower cost weight loss procedures in Mexico far from mean lower quality service. In fact doctors in Mexico have actually been performing some of these procedures years longer than their American counter parts. The best hospitals in Mexico are distinguished by Joint Commission International accreditation and engage in education exchange programs with the world’s premier medical institutions such as the Children’s Hospital Boston and the Mayo Clinic. The World Health Organization has deemed these hospitals to provide a comparable level of service to the best in the US and more patients have rated their experiences in these prime Mexican hospitals good or excellent than patients who remained in the United States for treatment.

Safety should also be a consideration for those choosing to take advantage of more affordable and higher quality health care abroad. Many other places around the planet that have tried to attract medical tourists like India, Brazil and Thailand are infinitely more dangerous that taking a short trip to Mexico, not to mention more expensive to get to, which can severely cut into any savings. The leading hospitals in Mexico are often also able to assist patients with travel plans and accommodations in secure, luxury buildings. Remember that in comparison Mexico and especially the areas you will be visiting for treatment are much safer than many parts of the US. Repeat clients and word of mouth referrals are the lifeblood of these weight loss surgery centers so of course they take extreme care to make sure that all patients are treated with the utmost care and the highest possible level of personal service.

All in all, Mexico clearly offers a superior solution for those seeking weight loss surgery including lap band, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. Here you will find the best combination of discounted prices, stunning and well equipped state of the art hospitals and the most qualified and doctors along with administration and medical staff that provide first class treatment that truly make visits a delight.

Lap band surgery or Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band “LAGB” surgery is a surgery done with a small abdominal incision with the use of laparoscopic camera to guide the surgery. Lap band surgery aim is to insert an inflatable gastric band (circular shaped balloon) around the upper part of the stomach. The inserted band’s size can be modified by the surgeon by adjusting the amount of silicon or saline inside the band. This adjustment is easily done through the access part of the device that is usually placed under the skin of the patient’s abdomen and is connected to the gastric band with a connector tube.
Lap band surgery therefore leads to forming a small gastric pouch with lesser capacity than the normal stomach “about 1/5 to 1/6 the normal capacity”. This is makes it an effective long-term solution for weight loss. After a lap band surgery, patients get the sense of fullness and satisfaction with much smaller amount of food! The surgery takes from 30 minutes to an hour and needs minimum hospitalization and the patient can resume his normal daily life in approximately one week only.
Types of gastric bands:

Allergan® Lap band:
Allergan Lap band is a leading lap band manufacturer approved by the FDA in 2001. These innovative lap bands are well manufactured to reduce the stomach capacity as much as needed to reduce the volume of the meal with the least possible side effects.

Johnson & Johnson™ Lap bands:
This alternative is also great gastric banding solutions designed for effective and comfortable manipulation of the stomach size and controlling the patient’s diet by inducing earlier feeling of fullness and satisfaction from smaller meals.
Indications of Lap band surgery:
Laparoscopic gastric banding is a less invasive surgical interference to manage obesity. However, as a surgery, it should be done for the following indications only “or according to doctor recommendation”:
Obesity: Those with Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 40 or 100 pounds over their ideal weight.
Failure of non-surgical weight loss remedies.
Significant history of obesity – usually 5 years or more.
The presence of major risk or risks for developing complications of obesity as heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes and other possibilities.
For those to whom the above indications apply, Lap band could be a great help to overcome a major problem threatening their life. Ideal age for lap band surgery is usually between 18 and 55 years. However, people with significant contraindications or risks for having surgeries whether for physical or psychological factors should not be recommended to choose the lap band surgery solution. Additionally, pregnant females with gastric bands should refer to their doctor as soon as she confirm her pregnancy for band adjustments during pregnancy and breast feeding.
Keep in mind that although this is an effective solution, you have to follow a healthy diet as well to keep the surgery’s effect at maximum. This means that you will still have to be on low carbohydrate and fat diets, getting more proteins and minerals and more water. Dietary modifications should be also based on your doctor’s instructions and recommendations.

• Gastric Banding Surgery Information
• Candidacy Information for Lap-Band
• Side Effects of Lap-Banding Surgery
• Price of Lap Band Surgery
• Success Stories of Lap Band Surgery
• FAQs on Lap Band Surgery
• Life After Lap Band Surgery

What to do before surgery

First of all, you must to know that you have to inform your doctor if you are on any medication as many medications should be stopped few days before the surgery. Also, you should stop any herbal medications or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as aspirin, Nuprin or Advil at least 7 days before surgery. Then, you have to follow the doctor instructions for surgery preparation which may include some medications as to correct hypertension or to control diabetes.
Necessary life style modifications after surgery the degree of surgery success is related to the life style modifications you will be recommended to follow after having the surgery. The instructions may vary according to your condition but the following are mandatory steps:

Diet modification:
After the surgery you will have smaller stomach so you need to keep that in mind. To benefit from the surgery and avoid any possible complications you have to stop eating once you feel fullness and satisfaction. You must eat slowly as well; Try to make your meal time about 30-45 minutes but with small amount of food.
You’ll be required to drink about 8 cups of water daily but not during the meal. This is to avoid stomach over-distention which may lead to enlarging the stomach pouch or dislocating the gastric band.
During the first week after surgery you should be eating soft food as jelly, yoghurt, soft drinks and blended food but with low carbohydrates and fats. Then you should start eating vegetable and fruits from the second week and start to include meat patties, fish, egg or beans from the third week. From the fourth week you may eat chicken but the food have to be moist by sauce or any moistening additions you prefer as long as it is not dry food.
From the fifth week you can eat ground beef and you can resume your normal meals starting from the sixth week. But you have to make your diet healthier with small meals, 8 cups of water every day and eat slowly. You will begin noticing you weight loss in the first weeks!

Exercise:
It is very helpful to begin regular exercise. This will be useful for weight loss, improving your general health and decreasing any risk of obesity complication. But keep in mind avoiding bending over from the waist after the surgery to preserve the stitches and let the surgical incision heal properly.
The best exercise for you after recovery is regular walking. You have to start gradually as sudden start of vigorous exercise may harm your heart and circulation. Start with a 10 minutes’ walk at the first week then 20 minutes in the 2nd week to be 30 minutes from the third week. A 30 minutes’ walk 5 days per week is very good to get less weight and healthier body.

Advantages Vs Disadvantages:
Lap band surgery has the following overwhelming advantages as a weight loss operation:

It needs only a small incision that is later on sutured by self dissolvable stitches.
The surgery takes 3o minutes to an hour.
Quick recovery and less hospitalization – The patient could be discharged within 24 hours from the operation.
Suits many people with different ages and physical conditions.
Completely reversible as the stomach comes back to normal after removing the band.
No stomach cutting or stapling.
Modifying the treatment by adjusting the band is non-surgical.
Doesn’t complicate mal absorption syndrome.
Less risk of abdominal surgeries complications.
On the other side, LAGB surgery may develop one of these complications in some patients.
Mechanical functional defects of the band may be present.
Surgical complications “less common” as infection, pain in the incision site, etc.
Possibility of leakage from the band, mechanical dislocation of the band, infection of the solution inside it or developing some GIT disturbances in susceptible patients after the surgery.

Apparently, you can get the advantages and avoid the disadvantages of Lap band surgery by following the recommendations and instruction given by a well known experienced surgeon!

About lab bands surgery Mexico:
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery is a simple low risk surgical procedure capable of changing a person’s life by modifying his satiety to a new level easily reached by a healthy diet.
Dr. Zapata is an experienced surgeon working with a top tier team to make this simple solution works for all patients hoping to get the best out of this simple technique. The band is usually inflated after 4-6 weeks of surgery depending on the patient’s body healing. Dr. Zapata has arrangements with many lap band surgery clinics across the USA and Canada to make it easier for the patient to inflate and adjust the lap band according to proper schedules.
You’ll not get tied by strict schedules or clinic visits to a certain locations! Dr. Zapata’s team uses the best well-known registered lap band brands. The use of FDA approved gastric bands make it possible for you to go to any near and reachable lap band surgery clinic to adjust the band as needed.

Bariatric surgery, even in the best of hands, is not a panacea, and while most patients report a favorable outcome following the surgical procedure, a significant subset of patients may experience complications or not fail to achieve their ideal body weight as expected.

In these circumstances, a follow-up surgical procedure, known as a bariatric surgery revision, may be necessary to either achieve the ideal body weight, help resolve co morbidities, or manage the complications of the first surgery.

A comparison of the between the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and lap band surgery becomes exceedingly relevant when considering a bariatric surgery. Whether there are more revision surgeries required after lap band or gastric bypass is therefore an important consideration.

Both of these surgeries are radically different in terms of their mechanism of action. Gastric bypass has a dual mechanism of action, being restrictive as well as a malabsorptive procedure, while the lap band surgery is only restrictive. The former, therefore, has been found to be more effective over time. The weight loss however is slower, and steadier with lap band surgery. The final weight loss is achieved by the end of three to four years after lap band surgery, and by the end of eighteen to twenty four months following the gastric bypass procedure.

Approximately 5 to 10% of patients who have had a gastric bypass reportedly require a revision surgery over 5 years. The reasons for the same vary from complications, unsatisfactory weight loss, or weight regain.

The revision rate following lap-band surgery is reported to be approximately 10% during the first two years. The reasons for the same include device-related problems, slippage or unsatisfactory weight loss.

Collated data from multicentric trials indicates that the excess body weight loss following gastric bypass surgery ranges from 69 to 84% at one year, while the same following a lap band procedure is 45 to 55%. Given that a weight loss less than 50% of the excess body weight constitutes surgical failure, it is evident that the rates of revision surgery following lap band surgery are higher than that following a gastric bypass.

Even though the incidence of early complications following gastric bypass has been reported to be higher than those following lap band surgery(4.2% and 1.7% respectively at the end of first week) the complication rates of the two procedures become comparative by the end of one and a half years (8 and 9.1% respectively).

Experts believe that long-term failure and complications after this time are rare with gastric bypass, while a significant number of lap band patients experience problems which may require a re-exploration or conversion to a different surgical procedure.

However, given that the safety profile of the lap band surgery is significantly better than that of the gastric bypass, and the former is a reversible technique, several patients as well as bariatric surgeons are opting for it. However, when making a choice, the decision must be made keeping in mind the relative rates of revision surgery following each of the surgical procedures.

It’s always better to have extensive knowledge forehand before going or opting for surgery. Who is my doctor? Who are the doctor’s team? What are the facilities provided in the hospital? Is the nursing reputable? Are there other cost effective solutions?

The last question really matters when you are paying out of your pocket and are not covered by insurance. Weight Loss Surgery was earlier not covered widely by insurance. So check out the details of your insurance policy before you take a decision.

Lap band surgery is the least invasive of all kinds of bariatric surgery, requiring only an overnight stay in the hospital. In most cases, patients are back on their feet and back to normal activity within a week. If you are obese and think lap band would be the right option for you cost should be an obstacle. New lap band surgery clinics are opening regularly making the price more competitive. You can also opt for lap band surgery in Monterrey the safest city Mexico under world renowned surgeons and US certified hospitals. They are safe and affordable.

Before going for a surgery, you must find out whether you are a candidate for lap banding and for this, consult your physician. Check your Body Mass Index and if you are 100 pounds over normal weight, you may be a candidate for lap band surgery.

The cost of a lap band procedure vary from state to state and even from city to city and it is difficult to predict what your actual cost will be. There isn’t an established cost or price for lap band surgery. The variations also depend on the type of health plan you have, the doctor you choose and on the individual’s specific condition. It is extremely difficult to find out all related costs and consider all financial issues before the surgery takes place.

The procedure involves facility in the hospital, surgeon and anesthesiologist’s fees and staying in the hospital. Generally speaking, the cost of the procedure can be as much as $12,000 to $18,000 in the US. In Mexico the cost is around $7000. Check if you are covered with your health insurance policy.

While discussing the costs, you must inquire about all costs of the lap band surgery from start to finish. Many factors can affect the total price of Lap band surgery including the surgeon you choose, the place where you choose to have it performed, pre-operation tests and the other fees like travel expenses, follow-up appointments, anesthesia fee and any other post-surgery related expenses.  Follow-up care and band adjustments are also an important part of Lap band procedure. Many surgeons include band adjustments within their price quote.

Many things can affect the actual cost of the lap band procedure like where you live, the type of insurance you have, whether doing the procedure locally or you would have to travel outside to get it done. You may have gone through various diagnostic tests before surgery like blood tests, sleep apnea study, x-ray and other tests. Be sure to ask your surgeon about what is included in the cost of the surgery, so you can know what to expect and make the best decision for a successful outcome.

Those that travel abroad find that lap band surgery is very cost effective. Mexico is a nearby country that has a great deal of experience with lap band surgery. The standards and equipments used are also same as in the United States. But the cost of travel and the time needed should taken into account when scheduling the procedure done outside.

Losing excess weight simply makes your life fruitful. But before you go under the process of lap band surgery, it is important to know the cost and what it covers.

Bariatric surgery can help you get rid of excess fat of your body and helps in leading a healthy lifestyle. This could be either achieved by stapling a small portion of your stomach or by tying the stomach with a band.

Lap-Band vs. Gastric Bypass

Lap-Band and Gastric Bypass are the two surgical options for severely obese patients who have been unable to control weight through diet and exercise. Deciding between the two largely depends on your personal preference and a good knowledge about both surgeries.

Lap band surgery is a minimally invasive procedure requiring no stomach stapling or re-routing of internal organs The Lap band consists of a silicone ring that is placed around the top of the stomach giving it the shape of an hourglass. The resulting pouch dramatically reduces the functional capacity of the stomach. It is designed in such a way that it can be inflated or deflated at any time after operation. Lap band surgery can be adjusted, moved and has no requirement for permanent alteration to the body of the stomach or intestines, which makes it a better option to lose weight. Look into the side effects of Lap Band Surgery to see the full risks of using Gastric Banding Surgery.

Gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch by dividing the stomach. The small intestine is divided and brought up to join the new stomach pouch. This allows the food go straight from the stomach pouch into the small intestine, which causes it to bypass the lower stomach and the duodenum. This reduces the amount of calories that the body absorbs (Find out if having Lap Band Surgery in Mexico is right for you).

The lap band surgery lasts around an hour and requires an overnight stay in the hospital. Gastric bypass surgery takes about four hours and you may have to stay three to five days in a hospital after surgery.

Weight loss is quicker in gastric bypass. With lap band surgery initial weight loss is slower than Gastric bypass, however over a 5-year period, weight loss outcome is similar in both.

In case of Lap-Band it is easy to remove the band and reverse the surgery, requiring only a laparoscopic procedure, after which the stomach usually returns to its normal pre-banded state, since it uses an inflatable saline filled strap that is wrapped around your stomach. A gastric bypass surgery can be reversed, but it should not, as it is very risky.

A gastric bypass cannot be adjusted, while a lap band can be adjusted by means of a port through the skin that the surgeon leaves just below the ribs. To tighten the lap band, the surgeons injects saline solution into it.

Gastric bypass surgery is more expensive than a Lap band surgery. While the cost of lap band surgery comes in between $15,000 to $20,000, gastric bypass costs $20,000 to $25,000.
Gather information like procedure, precautions, recovery period, reversibility and cost of both types of bariatric surgeries. This will help you make the most informed decision.

The decision to go in for lap band surgery affects diet, behavior and lifestyle. During the pre-operative period some surgeons demand weight loss up to 10% of body weight or no weight gain.

The size and condition of the liver prior to surgical placement of the band is of primary concern of the surgeon. An enlarged fatty liver is common among the morbidly obese patients and may obstruct the view or prevent the completion of the surgery. The specific diet is thus prescribed during the pre-operative period to shrink the size of the liver.

After the first pre-operative screening visit to the doctor certain food are immediately banned. They include bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, crackers, chips, or any other high calorie carbohydrates, snack food, cookies, cakes, pies, candy or sugar sweetened food.

The patient is required to follow some very simple rules of eating such as the food should be cut in small pieces and chewed thoroughly. Food should be eaten slowly and attention should be paid to signs of fullness. There should be no distractions while eating. There should be a gap of half an hour before and after the meal.

Two Weeks Before the Surgery

Just two weeks before the surgery, a diet of high protein drink and one meal a day is recommended. The number of drinks may vary. These protein drinks include Milk based High Protein-low sugar beverage such as Advance Shake (Walmart, GNC), Slim Fast (Hannafort), or Myoplex Lite or Carb Control. Another category of the protein drinks is Lactose free High Protein such as Isopure, Smartforme shakes which can be purchased online. . These are ready to drink formula and one can have it by mixing it in skimmed milk or water. The meal consists mainly of fruits and vegetables such as broccoli and lettuce. The vitamin supplements and loads of fluids are also essential.

One day before the surgery no solid food is allowed. The patient may have 5 Protein drinks and non-caloric liquids. On the day of surgery patients do not eat or drink unless specified by the doctor.

After bariatric surgery the surgeon recommends slow advance through varies stages of post operative lap band diet. The doctor monitors the healing process which takes 4 to 8 weeks. Since the food is eaten in very small amounts, it is important to have healthy food lest one may become malnourished. Lap-Band Surgery Post Op Dieting:

First Week

The first week after lap band surgery is known as the “clear liquid” stage. It consist of Jello, Popsicles, Crystal light, Koolaid,Water, Tea, Coffee, Chicken Broth, Beef Broth, Lipton Diet Green Tea, Fruit Juices and such others.

Second Week

The second week after surgery is known as the “mushy” stage. It typically consist of Oatmeal,Yogurt,Scrambled Eggs, Cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, Creamed Soups, Cream of wheat, Tuna with Mayo and such others.

Third Week

The third week consist of canned or such other food items which are soft and not crunchy. It consists of canned fruit in water, canned veggies, home grown veggies, bananas, canned chicken with Mayo. Bacon and sausages, grilled chase sandwich, any type of cereal, any type of fish or shellfish, pasta and rice.

Fourth Week

The fourth week relatively has normal food such as Salad, Hamburger patty, hard cheese (cut up well and should be chewed well ), chicken breast, Pork chops, Lean cuts of beef (tenderloin medium cooked, cut up small and should be chewed well), apples (no skin), grapes and Melons.

After the fourth week depending on how the body responds and heals, all normal food is allowed. After the first month solid food is introduced. Some food which does not pass through the band easily causing discomfort and vomiting should be avoided. Some of them are asparagus stalks, broccoli stalks, Popcorn, coconut, dried fruits and white bread. Similarly high calorie foods such as sweets, cream, creamed foods, fried foods, fatty meats or alcohol should be avoided. Liquids that are high in Calories should also be avoided though they may pass easily through the band while adding more Calories to diet.

Since one is eating less and may not obtain all the vitamins and minerals one needs, it is advisable to take a multivitamin/mineral supplement be taken. Eating three small meals and exercise is a must for the success of this surgery.