Introduction
In recent years the question of being and remaining slim has received plenty of attention in the media. Millions of people throughout the world are attempting to reduce and control their weight, with varying degrees of success. Despite this growing awareness, there has been a considerable increase in the number of people who are seriously overweight. The growing number of overweight children is a matter of particular concern. Being seriously overweight or severely obese is unhealthy. It can cause physical problems and diseases, such as heart and vascular disease and diabetes. in addition, it may have major psychological consequences such as a negative self-image. Finally, being extremely overweight may result in social isolation.No doubt you already know the best remedy for excess weight: eating less and, above all, eating more sensibly so that you use up more energy than you take in and draw on your own fat reserves. You have probably also tried this several times, and sometimes you may have been very successful. But then you may also have found that while most methods do indeed show results in the short term, you soon go back up to your old weight or even end up weighing more. Even drugs which suppress your appetite do not usually result in definitive and lasting weight loss. Have you already tried everything and found that none of these methods has helped you to lose your excess weight for good? Then surgery to reduce the size or the capacity of your stomach may be your only remaining option for achieving permanent weight loss. These pages tell you all about one surgical option: the treatment of morbid obesity with the aid of the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System.
What is the LAP-BAND® System?
The LAP-BAND® System is an adjustable gastric band which is placed around the stomach by means of an operation, thus reducing the capacity of the stomach. This means that the stomach can hold less food. When less food is consumed, the body will draw on its own fat reserves in order to obtain the energy it requires. The result: you lose weight.
The LAP-BAND® System
These pages explain the method, the results, the risks, and the advantages and disadvantages of the LAP-BAND® System. You yourself also have to work hard in order to obtain lasting results. The LAP-BAND® System is only an aid to losing weight, not a miracle worker.