The Lap-Band: A Minimally Invasive Approach to Bariatric Surgery
What is Bariatric Gastric Band Surgery?
Bariatric-Gastric Band:
Gastric bands often yield faster and more effective weight loss compared to other gastric surgeries.
- Many surgeons believe that adjustable gastric banding, ARE the Realize Band, is an invasive weight-loss surgery.
- Your bariatric surgeon places a gastric band on top of the stomach.
- The gastric band is an inflatable silicone device that combats obesity and reduces food intake.
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| Anticipating weight loss after lap band |
What do we need to know about the gastric band procedure?
In gastric band surgery, a surgeon places a band around the upper section of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits food intake. This band induces a sensation of fullness, thereby regulating food consumption. Post-surgery, adjustments by the doctor can control the rate at which food passes through.
- Doctors perform the surgery with a tiny camera.
- Gastric banding is a laparoscopic procedure where the camera is called a laparoscope.
- It enables your surgeon to see inside your stomach.
- Your surgeon will make one to five small surgical incisions in your abdomen.
- A patient will wrap a band around the upper part of their stomach to separate it from the lower part.
- This action forms a small pouch with a narrow opening that enters the lower part of your stomach.
- There will be no stapling inside your belly during the procedure.
- The entire surgery will only take an hour.
- After having this surgery, the small pouch will fill up as you eat.
- You will feel satiated even if you eat only a minor amount of food.
Those with a BMI of 35 or more and medical conditions that may improve with weight loss may benefit from a gastric band.
- Critical conditions like sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are equally responsible.
- In the first year after surgery, you may need to adjust gastric bands four to six times on average.
- Surgeons use these fills to keep the gastric band from being too tight or slack.
- Adjustments to the band are painless and done in the radiology department under supervision to ensure that the band is compact enough to restrict food intake.
- On average, patients can expect to lose 40 to 50 per cent of their excess weight.
Why is this procedure conducted?
- If you are obese and wish to lose weight through diet and exercise, this weight-loss surgery may be an option.
- The gastric band procedure will alter your way of life.
- Doctors frequently use the body mass index (BMI) measure to identify people who benefit from this weight-loss surgery.
When do you need to see a doctor?
- If your BMI crosses 35 and you have the medical conditions mentioned above, consult a doctor.
What complications or risk factors are associated with the gastric band procedure?
- Major complications following gastric weight-loss surgery include infection, blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), and internal bleeding.
- Your wound, port, or band may become infected and can be re-sited, replaced, or removed.
- Your band may occasionally make its way through the wall of your stomach, making it ineffective and requiring replacement.
- Over time, your gastric band can slip out of place, causing your stomach pouch to grow.
- Your doctor may reattach the gastric band.
FAQs
How much weight can a gastric band help you lose?
Gastric banding surgery causes you to lose 0.55 to 1 kilogram per week, resulting in a weight loss of 10 to 20 kilograms in six months.
How long do you stay in the hospital after getting a gastric band?
After this weight-loss surgery, you can stay at the hospital for up to three days. You can work on your regular activities for four to six weeks. If you want to maximize, you may make long-term lifestyle changes for the benefits of your surgery.
How does gastric banding affect the digestive system?
The effects of gastric banding on digestion are very significant. A silicone band is worn around the upper stomach with an inflatable inner collar to limit food intake. This procedure creates a small pouch. The lower part of the stomach is tiny and can only hold a little food.
Bariatric Gastric Band Surgery: A Summary
Bariatric gastric band surgery, also known as Lap-Band surgery, is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure for individuals with obesity. It works by placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch that restricts food intake and promotes feelings of fullness sooner.
Here's a quick recap:
- Purpose: Achieve significant weight loss in patients with obesity.
- Function: Restricts stomach size, limiting food intake and promoting satiety.
- Benefits: Potential for substantial weight loss, improved health markers, and a minimally invasive procedure.
- Considerations: Not for everyone, requires lifestyle changes, carries potential risks like slippage or intolerance.
Remember: Bariatric surgery is a significant decision. Consulting a qualified bariatric surgeon is essential to determine if it's the right approach for your individual needs. They can discuss the risks, benefits, and long-term expectations to help you make an informed choice. Compared to other types of gastric surgery, gastric bands enable more gradual weight loss. It is considered one of the safest procedures today, with a 0.05 per cent mortality rate.