Adjustable Gastric Band
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive mode of bariatric surgery that is designed to help severely overweight and obese patients safely lose weight. This restrictive surgery helps patients to feel full for longer periods after consuming less food. The most popular kind of adjustable gastric banding procedure is the Lap-Band. Lap-Band surgery is the second most common form of weight loss surgery, falling only behind gastric bypass. Despite its ranking, Lap Band surgery boasts many benefits that other forms of bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, lack.
One of the largest benefits of adjustable gastric bands is that the procedure is performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic operations are minimally invasive. Traditional surgery is often performed in open procedures, which means that the surgeon is required to make large and exposed incisions in order to perform the operation. With the use of special tools the Lap Band procedure is performed through two minor incisions in the abdomen. The procedure therefore causes less scarring and discomfort in addition to a faster recovery. By eliminating the need for an open incision the laparoscopic format of the procedure also reduces risks that are often associated with any major operation.
The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis. This means that a majority of patients will be able to return home just hours after their operation, eliminating any need for a prolonged and expensive hospital stay. The Lap Band procedure is completed with laparoscopic tools. Your surgeon will place a belt-like adjustable silicone band around the upper portion of your stomach. This belt functions to restrict the amount of food that you are capable of consuming at a given time. Connected to the silicone band is a long plastic tube that connects to a port that is placed directly under the skin. This tube functions as a type of hose that allows for the transport of sterile salt water to and from the band around your stomach. Following the procedure your physician will be able to inject or remove the saline solution directly into the port that was placed under the surface of the skin. This is what allows the band to be adjustable. As more saline is injected into the band, the tighter it will become around the stomach. The adjustment process causes minimal discomfort and is done during a typical office visit with your physician.
Due to the nature of the Lap Band operation no portion of the stomach or digestive tract is permanently altered. This allows the Lap Band procedure to be 100% reversible if need be. Most adjustable gastric band patients do not require its removal however, as often any discomfort or side effects can be cured by simply adjusting the band.
Proper diet and daily physical activity are required after Lap Band surgery in order to successfully lose weight. Bariatric procedures that alter the digestive tract cause a high risk for malabsorption, and therefore often require daily supplements and vitamins to prevent malnutrition. Vitamin deficiencies after an adjustable gastric band operation are rare.
The results of Lap Band surgery range depending on the situation and circumstances of each patient. On average, the Lap Band procedure leads to a loss of about 40% of a patient’s excess weight. This number will be increased or decreased depending on the dietary, exercise and lifestyle habits of each individual patient.