You workout regularly, follow a diet plan dedicatedly but still aren't able to shed even an extra pound! This is not just your story but that of millions who are unable to succeed in their effort to lose weight. Around 20% of these people then take recourse to surgery. But how effective is weight loss surgery. Most of us are skeptical regarding the effectiveness of this surgery. Is it safe or risky?

Celebrities go gaga over their fitness regimen chalked out by expert trainers and renowned nutritionists. But it is not possible for the man on the street to avail such facilities. Over the years, lap band surgery or gastric banding has become quite popular in the US. For the morbidly obese individual, lap band surgery is the best possible solution. This surgery uses minimally invasive technique to bind the stomach pouch with a band, which can be tightened or removed. This method helps reduce food intake by minimizing the size of the stomach. As the individual starts losing weight, the position of the band gets loosened and hence needs to be adjusted. Normally, patients take around six to eight adjustments in the first 18 months post lap band surgery. Records suggest that patients lose around 50 to 60 percent of weight two years post surgery.

The question next arises- who are the possible candidates for lap band surgery. This surgery is not meant for all and sundry. Doctors chiefly recommend patients with BMI of 40 and above for undergoing lap band surgery. Exceptions occur when patients with BMI of 30 and above are advised to undergo this surgery on account of high blood sugar levels. Yes! Weight loss surgery helps to remit diabetes to a considerable extent. Research shows that lap band surgery helps patients lose greater amount of weight in a comparatively short span of time. This reduction in body weight helps control diabetes and its ill-effects.

Notwithstanding the positives, there are some downsides to lap band surgery. Slippage of the band might occur when the patient starts losing weight. Besides, the patient should dedicatedly follow the diet regimen advised. No carbonated beverages are recommended. However, weight loss surgery would be a great success only when the patient strictly adheres to the instructions given by the doctor. Regular check ups and adjustment of the band is a part of the entire post surgery process. Once the patient gets used to his new lifestyle, recovery to a new self can be effectively guaranteed.