One of the most recent developments in Bariatric (stomach/gastric bypass) surgery is the gastric lap band procedure.

This Gastric Lap Band procedure involves contracting a portion of your stomach to reduce its size. This helps limit the amount of food that you are able to eat. This is different than the other types of gastric surgery, which result in your digestive system being re-routed.

This type of sugary can work for the right candidate (usually someone who is severely obese and not just a few pounds overweight) who follows the doctors and the surgeons exact orders. Those who want to lose weight and want to undergo Gastric Lap Band Surgery will have to properly prepare for the day of surgery and be aware of the risks involved.

Some restrictions that the doctor or surgeon may tell you before you receive your treatment will be to refrain from alcohol or certain types of foods for at least a short period of time before your surgery. You may also be asked to stop smoking as well. Also, your doctor will prepare you for all the possible complications that can happen after a surgery like this.

Some of the most common complications after gastric lap surgery could include one or more of the following: constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Furthermore, patients can very sensitive to foods such as sugars and alcohol, which they can eat very little of.

There are more severe complications from this surgery. This can include coming undone, infection, upper respiratory problems, pneumonia, blockage or leaking around area of treatment, or ulcers. Again, these are rare, and most people recover fairly quickly, within approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

There are also a very tiny percent of other failures that could result from this procedure as well, and a .5 to 2 percent chance of death. This is a very small percentage, and the medical professionals who perform this surgery will usually run extensive analysis on you before deciding if this surgery is right for you.

After the surgery, you may have to follow a special diet. To begin with, for up to a week after the surgery you will be on an all-liquid diet. Then, for 14 days you will be assigned to eat all pureed foods. Then, you will begin returning to solid foods. However, there are some foods you may need to avoid such as certain breads (usually ones with enriched flour), dried fruit, nuts and coconuts, popcorn, fried foods, and pasta.

You will be advised to take up to a half hour to eat your meal, even though your meal will be quite small (because you will not be able to eat nearly as much). Also, you will want to make sure that you eat low fat foods and make sure you consume plenty of vitamins and minerals.

In addition, you will be told to stop eating once you feel full, otherwise you will experience great discomfort, and you will also be likely to gain weight. Also, you may have to wait after your meal to drink liquids, because both together can pass through your systems too quickly when taken in at the same time. Along with that, you will want to make sure that you drink plenty of liquids between meals to continue to work your digestive system.

Your entire lifestyle after your gastric Lap Band Surgery is likely to change dramatically. For one, you will be advised only to eat three times a day (sometimes more times a day in smaller amounts) but never to snack in between meals.

In order to make the gastric Lap Band Surgery work for you, it is going to take some effort on your part. However, if you follow through with the doctors orders regarding the proper diet adjustments, stick to a regular exercise routine, and follow through on the rest of your doctors orders, you will soon have a better quality of life.

If you are someone who thinks you could benefit from Lap Band Surgery you may want to consult your doctor about it. Then, if you want to meet with a surgeon, your surgeon will run tests on you and ask you questions about your health history.

Once you are aware of all that you need to know, you are ready to have your life changed for the better. Being prepared for this type of surgery will increase the chance that it will work for you.