Transform Your Life In The New Year With The LAP-BAND ® System

If you struggle with obesity, the adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND) surgery at Freeman’s Bariatric Center is highly effective at helping patients lose significant weight and transforming their lives with weight loss that lasts.

The minimally-invasive procedure places the band around the stomach to reduce the amount of food a person can eat at one time. During the procedure, surgeons make small incisions in the upper abdomen before inserting a silicone ring with an expandable balloon around the upper section of the stomach. It creates a small stomach pouch, which helps the patient feel full sooner with a smaller amount of food.

The band can be adjusted to enable patients to increase or decrease the amount of food they can eat at any given time. The procedure can even be reversed by removing the band through additional surgery.

On average, patients can initially lose 65% of their excess body weight within the first year after undergoing lap-band surgery and 70% two years after surgery. Patients may also see an average loss of six inches off both their hips and waist. Results vary widely, depending on the motivation and compliance of the patient. For example, patients who follow the advice of their bariatric surgeon, maintain a balanced and healthy diet and exercise regularly will generally see better results than a patient who reverts to old habits.

Those who commit to making the correct lifestyle choices can expect to lose anywhere from two to three pounds every week on average. Over the long-term, this will drop to around one pound every week.

To be eligible for lap-band surgery, a patient must meet their specific insurance guidelines and requirements. Most plans require a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI minimum of 35, with qualifying health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea. Some plans will also recognize back or joint issues of the knees or hips.

Freeman Bariatric Center has been recognized as a Center of Excellence (COE) through the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). With this accolade, the program was recently approved as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatrics. These honorary designations are evidence that the Freeman Bariatric Center offers a quality, comprehensive bariatric program serving the Four State region with reputable professional staff to deliver the best possible care.

About the Author

Janice Drake, a registered nurse and Freeman Bariatric Program Coordinator, assists weight loss surgery patients from start to finish. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Working in the operating room for 30 years, Janice served as a surgical technician, a circulating nurse and a charge nurse. Then, she transitioned to bariatric surgery at the inception of the program.

The Freeman Bariatric Center specializes in performing safe and proven weight-loss procedures, using the most minimally invasive techniques possible. Additionally, the group offers educational information on the latest bariatric treatments and surgery options to help patients live a healthier life and achieve their goals. Talk to your primary care physician about bariatric surgery options,  call Janice at 417.347.1266 or visit freemanhealth.com/specialty/bariatric-surgery.