Obesity is second only to smoking as a contributor to illness and premature death, and weight reduction surgery may be an option for individuals who are experiencing health problems as a result of being severely overweight.

At Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle, the most common weight reduction surgery entails a laparoscopic adjusted gastric banding procedure commonly referred to as the Lap-Band system. This procedure is effective in limiting space for food and thus allowing the patient to eat less. Laparoscopic techniques employed at the hospital typically shorten hospital stays and recovery periods.

The Lap-Band system entails a silicone band placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch that accommodates only a small amount of food. A small outlet created by the band connects the pouch to the lower, larger part of the stomach. Food passes through the outlet slowly, allowing the patient to feel full longer.  A major advantage of the Lap-Band system is that the diameter of the band is adjustable to meet individual needs since those may change as the patient loses weight.

Because weight reduction surgery is a major surgery suitable only to those with medically-complicated or morbid obesity, medical teams supervise an extensive process of evaluation and counseling to determine a patient's suitability to the approach. Meanwhile, weight loss is gradual and tends to involve a 12 to 18 month period, followed by permanent lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight.

For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL (1-877-847-9355).