Lap band (gastric banding) surgery, also referred to as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a surgical procedure in which an adjustable belt is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. Candidates for lap band surgery are generally individuals with a body mass index over 40 kg/m2, or are more than 45 kilograms over their ideal body weight. Side effects, risks, and complications from lap band surgery should be discussed with a surgeon or physician prior to the operation. Read more: Lap Band (Surgery) Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Food Portion Distortion Quiz: Correct Serving Size
Are your portions deceiving you? Take the Food Portion Distortion Quiz to find out how and why gigantic portions trick you into...
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GERD Quiz: Test Your Digestive Diseases IQ
Who is at risk for developing GERD? Are you? Take this quiz to learn what GERD is, if you're at risk, and what you can do about...
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Picture of Intestines
The intestines are a long, continuous tube running from the stomach to the anus. See a picture of the Intestines and learn more...
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Picture of Abdomen
The abdomen (commonly called the belly) is the body space between the thorax (chest) and pelvis. See a picture of the Abdomen and...
SLIDESHOW
Surprising Reasons for Weight Gain See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
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Constipation
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low fiber diets, laxative abuse, and hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
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GERD (Acid Reflux, Heartburn)
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are: heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. Effective treatment is available for most patients with GERD.
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Signs, Causes, Diet, and Treatment
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms. Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure. The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater. If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.
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Obesity
Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20% over their ideal weight. That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and build.
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Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach Pain)
Indigestion (dyspepsia) can be caused by diseases or conditions that involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and also by some diseases and conditions that do not involve the GI tract. Indigestion can be a chronic condition in which the symptoms fluctuate in frequency and intensity. Signs and symptoms that accompany indigestion include pain in the chest, upper abdominal pain, belching, nausea, bloating, abdominal distention, feeling full after eating only a small portion of food, and rarely, vomiting.
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Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. When the skin is constantly stretched, the dermis can break down, leaving behind stretch marks.
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7 Reasons You Are Tired After Surgery
Postsurgical fatigue is normal and is due to a variety of factors. Depression, stress, and anxiety may produce fatigue. Sleep deficits, certain medications, anemia, blood loss, fasting, and loss of electrolytes and minerals associated with surgery can also produce fatigue. Exercise, physical exertion, aging, and the overall health status of patients are additional factors that play a role in making people feel tired after surgery.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
- Coronavirus Crisis Should Put Elective Surgeries on Hold, Doctors' Group Says
- Weight-Loss Surgery Brings Surprise Bonus: Breathing Easier
- Which Obesity Surgery Is Right for You?
- Weight-Loss Surgery Might Also Lower Skin Cancer Risk
- Weight-Loss Surgery a Boon for the Heart
- Staying Slim After Weight-Loss Surgery Could Cut Cancer Risk in Half
- Moms' Weight-Loss Surgery Tied to Lower Risk of Birth Defects
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Bring a Bedroom Bonus
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Pay Off in the Bedroom, Too
- Wait Times for Obesity Surgery Are Growing
- Shedding Pounds Before Weight-Loss Surgery a Smart Move
- Weight-Loss Surgery Alone Won't Keep the Pounds Off
- Weight-Loss Surgery's Benefits Wane Over Time for Diabetics
- Weight-Loss Surgery Is Good for Obese Teens' Hearts
- Opioid Addiction a Danger After Weight-Loss Surgery
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Curb Risk for Certain Cancers
- Don't Put Off Weight-Loss Surgery Till You're Heavier
- Emerging Treatment Could be a Weight Loss Surgery Alternative
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Boost Survival
- Weight Loss Surgery May Boost Good Cholesterol in Obese Boys
- How Important Is Surgeon's Skill for Weight-Loss Surgery Outcomes?
- Weight-Loss Surgery Gets People Moving, Study Shows
- 'Til Weight Loss Do Us Part?
- Obesity Surgery Patients May Often Have Mental Health Disorders
- When and Where of Weight-Loss Surgery May Affect Vitamin D Levels
- Weight-Loss Surgery Lowered Risk of Heart Attack, Type 2 Diabetes in Study
- 'Balloon-in-a-Pill' May Be New Weight-Loss Weapon
- Weight-Loss Surgery Often Brings Less Painful Joints: Study
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Trim Health Care Costs
- Diabetes Should Be a Factor in Weight-Loss Surgery Decision: Study
- Weight-Loss Surgery's Benefits May Fade With Time, Study Suggests
- Weight-Loss Surgery Can Bring Couples Closer, Small Study Finds
- Weight-Loss Surgery Might Reduce Serious Asthma Flare-Ups
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Extend Lives, Study Finds
- Exercise After Weight-Loss Surgery Yields Added Health Gains
- Vitamins May Help Prevent Eye Problems After Weight-Loss Surgery, Study Finds
- Weight-Loss Surgery Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk, Study Shows
- Weight Loss Surgery: Diabetes Cure?
- For Obese Diabetics, Weight-Loss Surgery May Work Best
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Help Prevent Heart Rhythm Disorder
- More Evidence Weight-Loss Surgery Helps People With Diabetes
- Weight-Loss Surgery Cuts Risk for Heart Attack, Death: Study
- 'Gastric Banding' Patients Often Have Dietary Issues, Study Finds
- Women More Open to Weight-Loss Surgery
- Weight-Loss Surgery Seems to Beat Diet and Exercise
- Study Supports Broader Access to Lap-Band Weight-Loss Surgery
- Weight-Loss Surgery Won't Cut Obesity-Related Medical Costs: Study
- Surgery Checklists Help OR Teams in a Crisis, Study Finds
- Avoid Pregnancy for a Year After Weight-Loss Surgery: Review
- Weight-Loss Surgery Is New Diabetes Foe
- Comparison of Obesity Surgeries Turns Up Surprising Results
- Weight Loss Surgery Prevents Diabetes
- Health, Social Life Improve After Weight-Loss Surgery: Study
- In Short Term, Weight-Loss Surgery Doesn't Raise Fracture Risk
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Not Cut Medical Costs: Study
- Bariatric Surgery May Help Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Bariatric Surgery Cuts Heart Attack Risk for Years
- Weight-Loss Surgery May Also Help Menstruation, Skin, Hair
- Weight-Loss Surgery Beat Drugs for Cutting Diabetes in Very Obese
- Health Highlights: March 28, 2012
- Weight Loss Surgery May Prevent Heart-Related Deaths
- As Gastric Banding Increases, So May Complications
- Gastric Bypass May Improve Diabetes Quickly
- FDA OKs Lap-Band Surgery for More Patients
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