Role of Lapband
Lapband © is a type
of bariatric operation, an operation of the stomach
or intestine to help severely obese patients lose
weight. Other operations of this type include:
Stomach stapling operations: gastroplasty and sleeve gastrectomy
Stomach bypass: gastric bypass and bilo-pancreatic
diversion
So why do people need such an operation?
In severe or morbid obesity, fat deposition is so
severe that it causes illness and threatens life and
so is known as medically dangerous obesity. If the
majority of patients with severe obesity could lose
weight on their own, their health, well being and
longevity would improve spontaneously. The reality
is that in severe or morbid obesity, the success
rate of diet and exercise and even drug programs is
extremely low, in the order of 2%. These people have
a genetically-programed metabolism that favours fat
storage instead of sending fat to the muscles to be
burned. These patients are able to store fat even
when eating the same amount as you and me.
Bariatric
operations on the other hand are able to keep you
feeling full even though you are taking only a
fraction of calories you used to. The Lapband ©, also
known as Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band, is
the latest and safest of these bariatric operations.
A Band is placed around the upper part of the
stomach by keyhole surgery. The part above forms the
working pouch, the remaining stomach just a passage.
When you eat a a little, the pouch fills and becomes
stretched. This stretching sends signals to the
brain that you are full. This effect lasts for
several hours. The net result is decreased calorie
intake and drastic weight loss of 20-70 kg.
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Lapband © Criteria (who is suitable) |
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Asian Patients
BMI 32.0 –
37.0 with co-morbidities
(severe
obesity)
BMI > 37.0 with or without
co-morbidities
(morbid obesity)
Non-Asian Patients
BMI 35.0 – 40.0
with co-morbidities
(severe obesity)
BMI > 40.0 with or without
co-morbidities
(morbid obesity)
Criteria for surgery are based on
your BMI or Body Mass Index. BMI is
the weight in kg divided by the
square of height in m.
A BMI of less
than 23 is normal.
Click to see
BMI
definitions and calculate your BMI.
In addition, patients intending to
go for bariatric surgery must have
failed genuine attempts at weight
loss be motivated and acceptable of
the risks.
Definition of severe and
morbid obesity vary with race and
presence or absence of
co-morbidities. Co-morbidities are
complications of obesity. The
include diabetes, high blood
pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea and arthritis of the knee,
hip and spine.
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CONTACT US
Mailing Address: Dr.
H. G. Baladas, The Surgery Centre, 01-01
RAFFLES HOSPITAL
585 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188770
Email:
hg_baladas@rafflesmedical.com
Dr. Baladas Appointment Line (24 HR): (65) 6311 1111 |
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