When a person gets diagnosed with sleep apnea they go through several tests in order to be diagnosed. A person who simply snores all night isn’t necessarily someone with a life-threatening medical condition. Once a person decides to undergo a sleep study, a doctor will be able to determine if the patient suffers from sleep apnea or not.

Sleep apnea is “a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing, during sleep.” Over 20 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, be it a few interruptions a night, or enough to deprive the body of crucial oxygen. A physician will be able to offer sleep apnea solutions if needed. As mentioned in several web articles:

“When breathing is paused, you’re jolted out of your natural sleep rhythm. As a consequence, you spend more time in light sleep and less time in the deep, restorative sleep you need to be energetic, mentally sharp, and productive the next day. This chronic sleep deprivation results in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health problems over time, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain. But with treatment, you can control the symptoms, get your sleep back on track, and start enjoying what it’s like to be refreshed and alert every day.”

Weight loss surgery might be able to help control or even get rid of sleep apnea. By losing a small or significant amount of weight this will help open air ways during sleep. The lap band surgery has been able to help patients lose significant amount of weight to achieve better health–even better sleep. With the lap band the patient will be able to eat small portions and make healthier food choices, becoming full faster and staying full longer. When looking into the option of lap band surgery it is important to ask the bariatric doctorif this surgery is the right sleep apnea solution.

The lap band is a silicone band that is placed laparoscopically. This means that few incisions need to be made (about 4 to 5 small incisions, the largest being about 2 inches long.) The band is placed on the upper part of the stomach, creating a smaller new stomach. By creating this new smaller stomach the patient will feel full faster and stay full longer.

This silicone band comes with a small port which is connected to the band with a small flexible tube. This port is placed under the first layer of skin in the abdomen. Through this port the lap band surgeon is able to adjust how much saline should be in or out of the lap band. This is how one of the great advantages about the lap band system is achieved– the adjustable and personalized nature of the surgery.

The lap band cost can range from $15,000 to $18,000, depending on existing medical conditions, what lap band surgeon the patient chooses, what hospital or facility the surgery takes place in, and even the payment method. The lap band is covered by most PPO insurance, though some insurance companies may ask for several requirements in order to be approved for surgery.

For information about the lap band or for a free insurance verification please visit www.lovelapband.com or call (877)919-9997.