New Medical Technique to Aid Weight Loss
Jun 10, 2005
Lap-Band Technique boosts confidence of Obese
people in their efforts towards weight-loss.
In the battle against obesity epidemic, the healthcare
industry has come up with yet a new medical technique
that is said to reduce appetite
and slow digestion, creating a feeling of fullness which
leads the patient to eat less.
The technique called "Laparoscopic Adjustable
Gastric Banding", or "lap-band" has seen
successful clinical trials in Australia, France, Italy
and in the United States and has now been launched in
Malaysia.
Lap-band surgery is performed "laparoscopically"
by placing an inflatable band around the upper part
of the stomach.
The new, small, upper stomach pouch and a narrowed
outlet reduce the stomach capacity. The consequent reduction
in food intake results in weight loss.
The procedure is said to be the least invasive surgical
option as there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach
wall or bowel.
According to surgeons, the lap-band technique has few
potential side-effects and showed a significantly lower
mortality risk.
"In Malaysia, 27 per cent of the adult population
is obese and these are 1996 figures, which are already
a real worry. Now, it could be double that," said
Emeritus Professor of Surgery at the Australian Monash
University at the seminar on morbid obesity.
In spite of the benefits projected by the surgeons,
the high cost of RM3,000 is a concern that has kept
the people think twice before trying it.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad,
who opened the seminar, said the Government may consider
bearing the cost of the operation in special cases if
the patient purchased the band.
Source: http://www.nst.com.my
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