Lap Adjustable Gastric Banding

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Lap Adjustable Gastric Banding

Procedure Type: Restrictive

What is Lap Adjustable Gastric Banding?

  • Gastric banding involves placing an adjustable silicon band around the upper part of the stomach which induces weight loss by restricting food intake. When working well, this may lessen feelings of hunger and allow you to feel full after eating only a small amount of food.
  • The gastric banding is the least invasive of all procedures.
  • Band can be adjusted by injecting saline in a small container placed under the skin during surgery.
  • Surgery can be reversed.
  • Digestion and absorption is normal.
  • When you eat less your body draws the required energy from its own fat.

What to expect

After you receive general anesthesia, your surgeon will:

  • Make several small incisions on your abdomen to insert the laparoscope — a tool with a light and a tiny camera that sends pictures to a nearby computer monitor.
  • Implant an inflatable silicone band around the upper portion of your stomach — like a belt — and create a new, smaller pouch. The larger, lower part of your stomach will remain in tact.
  • Connect the gastric band system, using a tube, to an access port located directly beneath the skin of your abdomen.
  • The access port allows your surgeon to adjust the band in the future.
  • Although you can have the band completely removed if necessary, it is intended to remain in place for life.

After Surgery

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery typically requires a two-day hospital stay. Most patients can expect a recovery time ranging from 10 days to two weeks. You can also expect:

  • The morning after your gastric band surgery, you will start a clear liquid diet for at least one week. It’s very important that you drink at least 64 ounces of fluid every day to avoid becoming dehydrated.
  • Immediately before discharge, your bariatric surgery team will give you instructions on how to care for yourself at home, including:
  • Incision care
  • Pain control
  • Vitamin supplements

Follow-up: Modifying Your Laparoscopic Adjustable
Gastric Band (Lap Band)

Follow-up appointments are very important after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (lap band) surgery.

Multiple times a year, your surgeon will need to adjust your laparoscopic adjustable gastric band to:

  • Achieve appropriate restriction
  • Slow the passage of food from the small stomach pouch
  • Help you meet your weight loss needs

Results:

  • The mean weight loss at least three years after surgery is 60% off excess weight.
  • Simple, safe, short recovery period
  • Major complication rate is low
  • Minimal change to stomach and intestines