Swedish Covenant Hospital: Lap-Band Surgery Offers Innovative Weight Loss Option

CHICAGO -- The New Year is when many Americans make resolutions to trim down. But for individuals who are severely overweight and have made countless previous attempts, the decision to modify their lifestyle isn't an easy one. In fact, for most, their attempts will likely fail. Some overweight individuals who have exhausted other options are looking to surgeons to help them lose weight. More than 50,000 people underwent bariatric weight loss surgery last year, and according to some physicians, up to three times as many people should.

One of the most innovative methods of weight loss is now available at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Laparoscopic Gastric Banding, or "Lap-Band," is advanced surgery for the treatment of clinically severe obesity. This procedure, which is offered as part of the comprehensive program at The Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery Institute at Swedish Covenant Hospital, is helping thousands of people lose excess weight at typical rates of 75 pounds in the first year and enabling them to maintain the weight loss for years.

The surgeons affiliated with The Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery Institute have decades of combined surgical experience, and are specially trained on the techniques of Lap-Band.

"We are thrilled to bring this innovative surgery to those who need the most help in reducing and controlling their weight," explains Dr. Anthony Raspanti, a surgeon who performs Lap-Band procedures. "Our patients who have undergone this procedure are being given an opportunity to live their lives in a healthier way."

Lap-Band surgery is a long-term option for those who cannot lose excess weight through other methods, including dieting, exercise and medications. The minimally invasive procedure involves applying the Lap-Band, which is a small, flexible, adjustable ring, around the upper part of the stomach. The Lap-Band limits the amount of food that the stomach will hold at any time, controlling the flow of food that can be ingested. And because of the slow movement of food, individuals continue to feel full for several hours, reducing the urge to eat between meals.

The surgery takes about one hour and requires a single overnight stay at the hospital. Most patients can return to work and resume daily activities in a few days. Unlike some of the recent "celebrity" bariatric surgery success stories, the Lap-Band procedure is a safer banding option that is both adjustable and reversible.

"It is less invasive than other surgeries, including Roux-en Y gastric bypass, and offers an adjustable solution to meet the needs of each patient," explains Dr. Andrew Agos. "Once the Lap-Band has been put in place, we work with each individual to ensure that it is at the right setting." Depending on weight-loss progress, pregnancy or illness, the Lap-Band may be easily altered at a physician's visit or reversed by a surgeon who simply removes the device.

In addition to Lap-Band surgery, The Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery Institute offers a comprehensive weight management program with a unique blend of behavioral counseling and medical treatment options to ensure long-term permanent weight loss. The staff at The Institute recognizes that altering lifetime health habits requires education, emotional support and commitment. John Anderson PhD, program coordinator at The Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery Institute, works with participants to create an individualized plan with counseling, medically supervised dieting, nutritional sessions, and exercise and fitness programs to ensure that weight loss goals can be achieved. He explains, "While the Lap-Band is one of our surgical options, it's a single component of a comprehensive plan specially tailored to meet individualized needs."

Swedish Covenant Hospital is a comprehensive healthcare facility providing health and wellness services to the communities of Chicago's North and Northwest sides.

Source: Swedish Covenant Hospital

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