If you’re considering the Lap-Band® Procedure, you may have come across some previously debunked information regarding the surgery. There are several myths surrounding bariatric surgeries, like the Lap-Band.A few years ago, we covered some of the most common myths about the Lap-Band Program. Today, we’re addressing a few more.
Myth: The Lap-Band Requires a Long Recovery Period
The Lap-Band Procedure actually has a shorter recovery period than both the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. The Lap-Band Procedure is minimally invasive, performed under general anesthesia with the help of a laparoscope. Because the Lap-Band procedure does not involve any partial amputation of the stomach or digestive tract, patients can typically leave the hospital on the same day as their surgery.
After heading home, we recommend patients start taking short walks in the first week after surgery. You should be able to return to regular activity in 2–4 weeks, and your incision site should be fully healed and recovered in 4–6 weeks. Check out our post on activity timelines after Lap-Band for more information.
Myth: The Lap-Band Will Cause Nutritional Deficiencies
Gastric bypass surgery involves bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine. This causes a reduced ability to absorb calories from food—also called malabsorption—and leads to weight loss. However, this also means patients will absorb fewer vitamins and minerals. To avoid nutritional deficiencies, gastric bypass patients typically have several supplements that they need to take on a lifelong basis after surgery.
However, the Lap-Band does not cause malabsorption; because the procedure does not permanently alter your stomach or digestive tract, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients remains the same. After the Lap-Band Procedure. the typical patient will only need to add a complete daily multivitamin to their routine.
Myth: The Lap-Band Won’t Cause Sustainable Weight Loss
When considering bariatric surgery, many people worry that the weight they lose will eventually return. It’s an understandable concern—your weight-loss surgery is an investment in your health, and you want to make sure it’s a worthwhile one.
While a small number of patients do regain their weight, most people are successful in losing and keeping the weight off. A 2021 study compared the long-term success of the Lap-Band to the gastric sleeve at one-year, five-year, and ten-year intervals. While the gastric sleeve patients lost weight faster, after 10 years, the weight-loss and conversion rates were about the same.
That said, it’s important to remember that the Lap-Band is a tool to aid weight loss. Healthy food choices, portion control, exercise, sleep, and proper hydration are still vital parts of your weight-loss journey, and your commitment to maintaining those healthy habits will be integral to your success.
Find out if you qualify for Lap-Band surgery on the Lap-Band of Louisville website.
