Bariatric surgery is one of the best ways to lose a lot of weight in a very short period of time. However, most bariatric procedures are permanent, very expensive, and require a life-long commitment to healthy eating habits. As a result, the adjustable gastric band was invented.

In its first decade, the adjustable gastric band was touted as a surgical method of weight loss that did not require a complete rerouting of the digestive system. So, you might wonder: what is a gastric band? Is the lap band procedure worth it?

What is an adjustable gastric band?
The adjustable gastric band is a procedure that was created to be a reversible alternative to gastric bypass. The way it works is that a thin band is placed around the stomach, creating a pouch almost similar to that used by the gastric bypass procedure. The difference is that the bag is not permanent and only exists thanks to the band.

It is the least invasive bariatric surgery available, which made it attractive to patients who did not want a lengthy recovery process. It is also completely reversible – all the surgeon has to do is remove the band.

Is the lap band procedure recommended?
[redacted] offers the procedure, however, it should be noted that most surgeons today do not recommend the use of the adjustable gastric band as an alternative to more invasive bariatric procedures.

The first reason is that the band seems less expensive but not much less expensive than the gastric sleeve. Most gastric band patients will want to have it removed over time, and this procedure is often not mentioned in the costs of getting a gastric band.

The second reason is that the gastric band has caused some complications in patients. Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve have proven to be safer procedures, even though they are more invasive.

The third reason is that the gastric band is simply not as effective as the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. [redacted] recommends that patients who decide to undergo gastric band surgery in Mexico should consider undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico.

[redacted] offers gastric band surgery in Mexico, along with gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures.