Another liposuction alternative is the so-called "lap band surgery".  There are many different procedures that may be referred to as weight loss surgery and since there are thousands of people who undergo these operations annually, the popularity is sure to increase. One procedure is Lap Band surgery and it involves having an adjustable silicone belt placed around the top of the stomach. There may be a need for as many as eight adjustments within the first 18 months, once or twice during the second year and normally none is needed after that. The procedure allows less food to be eaten, but the person feels fuller. Therefore, when adjustments are made to the belt, they are done in increments.

However, as easy as some of the procedures sound, surgery for weight loss is not for someone who is looking for a quick fix or for those who just don't want to diet. Most people who undergo this type of elective surgery for weight loss must still follow strict dietary guidelines or risk being disappointed in their weight loss. Exercise is still a key part of losing weight, even after surgery. Patients who exercise at least 30 minutes a day will lose weight 30% faster.

Together, you and your doctor will decide if Lap Band surgery is right for you. Even though it is an effective and safe solution, there are other factors that your doctor will consider. Your BMI (Body Mass Index) which is done by a calculation of weight and height is one consideration your doctor may use.

As it is an invasive surgery, all factors need to be taken into consideration and figuring your BMI is one consideration. Your BMI is determined by calculating your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared and is categorized as follows: Healthy Weight has a BMI between 19 and 25, Overweight would be between 25 and 30, over 30 is considered obese and if your BMI is 40 or more it is considered morbidly obese.

However, your BMI is not the only factor that your doctor considers. For example, if your BMI is over 40, or more than 35 with obesity related health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc., then you may qualify for the procedure. A few other considerations for this type of operation would be if you were twice your ideal weight or at least 100 pounds overweight. If you have been overweight for 5 or more years and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise, then you may be a good candidate.

Some people are under the mistaken impression that once they have this surgery, they will no longer have to worry about how much food they intake. These people have very unrealistic expectations of the Lap Band surgery. However, other conditions may make some poor candidates for this weight loss surgery. This would include those addicted to drugs or alcohol, a person with a severe psychiatric illness, cancer patients who are not in remission and women who plan to become pregnant within a year.
 

Did your mother ever tell you that you should be happy with what you have, in terms of your body? She, along with others, may have had good intentions, telling you that looks are not that important. But with all of the improvements in cosmetic surgery, you now have the opportunity to choose what to be happy with and what to change. And, if you do not choose to have it done, then you may just be in the minority. So, do you take the opportunity to improve on your appearance or do you feel it would be frivolous?

This has been looked at and talked about for so long, along with being the subject of many talk shows and books, that it is difficult not to have an opinion. One person may say that if it is reconstructive surgery that is being performed, then it is ok. While a counterpart may believe that having that type of surgery for any reason, even if you are unhappy with your looks, is not ok. Is a surgery, especially an elective surgery, performed after a necessary operation considered frivolous? In other words, if you underwent surgery for something like a Mastectomy, would it be wrong to undergo another surgery to correct the appearance of your breasts? And what about surgeries to rid the body of excess fat, such as a liposuction procedure? A weight loss surgery such as an this may be considered totally cosmetic, but for those who are morbidly obese, this type of operation may be a life saver.

One of the most debated cosmetic surgery procedures is breast surgery. It is likely to be perceived as another type of frivolous procedure. However, as in the example above, does that sentiment remain the same when it is being performed due to something like the Mastectomy? Think about it. If people are saying that you should be happy with what you have, then in essence they are telling you that even though you underwent a horrible surgery, you should just be grateful you are here and that having any further surgery, even if it improves your appearance, would be frivolous and a waste.  

Surgeries of this type are, of course, a personal choice. Perhaps it does seem strange to some that you would choose to have surgery for something that was not absolutely necessary. Maybe they think that having elective surgery is completely wrong, but wrong for whom? Is it wrong to want to look normal or even better than average? Should you have to walk around for the rest of your life and have a constant reminder of what you went through every time you look in the mirror?

For some, the term cosmetic surgery may automatically make them think that it is an unnecessary procedure, as cosmetic refers to appearance and in their minds it is a waste. Even so, do they have the right to try to make you change your mind or to try to make you feel ashamed of your decision? Or should they keep their mouths shut and get on with their own lives?