I am not a proponent of quick fixes as a substitute for eating right and getting enough exercise. However, recently, I was asked about the so-called lap band surgery for people who are really concerned about their health and are at their wits end with diet and exercise. As you know, belly fat (the apple body shape) puts you at the greatest risk for heart disease. It is a fact that women whose waistlines exceed 35 inches and men whose waistlines exceed 40 inches have a higher risk for heart disease than those with smaller waists.
The recommendation I would make may sound like a cop out, but I would say talk to your personal physician. However, never underestimate the impact that a regular exercise program can have on your weight and your overall health. Physical activity often decreases your appetite and makes you want to eat better. Before you sign up for any type of surgery to deal with your weight issues, please ask yourself one simple question, have I really put forth the effort through diet and exercise to bring my weight into an acceptable range? If you can honestly answer yes to that question, then maybe it's time to talk to your doctor about alternatives.
Lap band surgery (also known adjustable gastric band procedure) is based on the premise that reducing the size of the stomach will make the patient feel full and they will eat less. It is being touted as the next best thing for people who have tried and tried and cannot lose weight. It is also being touted as safe with few, if any, side effects. However, nothing is without risk and AGB has several potential risks that one needs to be aware of including:
· the band can actually grow into the stomach, eventually wearing a hole in the stomach wall;
· one can experience vomiting and extreme discomfort from the band;
· the band can leak;
· the band can slip causing reflux, nausea, and vomiting;
· the esophagus can become enlarged if the band is too tight or incorrectly placed; and
· food can become lodged in one of the openings in the digestive system.
In addition, constipation and even blood clots are possible.
It is very difficult for me to pass judgment on this medical procedure for two very important reasons: first, I am not a licensed medical doctor, and second, I have never suffered from a severe weight problem so I cannot possibly understand the desperation and frustration that an extremely obese person might be feeling.
The recommendation I would make may sound like a cop out, but I would say talk to your personal physician. However, never underestimate the impact that a regular exercise program can have on your weight and your overall health. Physical activity often decreases your appetite and makes you want to eat better. Before you sign up for any type of surgery to deal with your weight issues, please ask yourself one simple question, have I really put forth the effort through diet and exercise to bring my weight into an acceptable range? If you can honestly answer yes to that question, then maybe it's time to talk to your doctor about alternatives.
