Gastric Banding

What is Gastric Banding surgery?

Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery or 'Lap-Banding' as it is commonly known, is probably the simplest and safest of all the weight loss surgery techniques performed.

This procedure is considered less invasive and more straightforward to perform and recover from than most other types of weight loss surgery.

This procedure is performed by a surgeon fitting an adjustable band in position around the entrance of the stomach. Once the band is inflated with saline, the band will tighten and slow down the passage of food through the band and into the stomach. Patients with a Lap-Band usually experience a full feeling after only a small volume of food in comparison to their appetite prior to a procedure.

Recent developments in a new generation of 'Lap Bands' eliminates the need to adjust the band with saline inflation and relies instead on a sophisticated electronic device and receiver to open and close the band.

Who will benefit from Lap Band surgery?

You may be a good candidate for Adjustable Gastric Banding if you are a reasonably well disciplined and committed weight loss patient, willing to go through a slower and more steady and progressive weight loss than experienced with other types of radical weight loss surgery.

In order to benefit and qualify for Lap Band surgery, patients must meet the following criteria:

• Have significant experience and history of diet failures
• Demonstrate a genuine desire to overcome their obesity problems
• Make a full commitment to finally getting their weight under control
• Fully understand both the benefits and the risks of weight loss surgery
• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 to 39 with other obesity related health problems
• Or, have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above

How is a Lap Band procedure carried out?

This procedure should always be performed by a qualified and experienced Upper Gastro-Intestinal Surgeon with specialist training in endoscopic (keyhole) procedures. The ultimate aim of the surgeon during a Lap Band procedure is to skillfully position and sew an adjustable band around the stomach entrance through a keyhole incision on the abdomen. This adjustable band is made of a flexible material and sits snugly around the entrance of the stomach, restricting a patient's capacity to take on board large volumes of food or fluid. ?The band is made tighter or looser throughout a patients treatment program to suit each individuals weight loss needs. The band can be adjusted electronically, or more commonly by inserting or withdrawing saline solution. This saline solution is introduced or withdrawn via a small tube and port, which is connected to the band at one end and neatly secured just below the surface of the abdominal skin at the other.

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally encouraged to be as mobile as possible to avoid complications such as Deep Vein Thrombosis. Following a progressive improvement of mobility and pain control patients are normally discharged home the day after surgery.

In the early days following discharge patients are strongly advised to stay gently mobile at home, but to avoid any level of activity that would put undue strain on the new Lap Band or related surgical wounds.

Patients will be advised to take a specific amount of recovery time away from work, dependent on the type of work they perform, but it is usual to take around a week off and to refrain from any strenuous exercise for at least 8 weeks following surgery.

Patients are discharged with strict meal planning advice, but in the first weeks after surgery the majority of patients will be unable to tolerate anything other than a very light and soft diet. Gradually a patient's ability to tolerate most types of food will improve, although the volume of food they are able to consume in one intake will be substantially reduced when the Lap Band is inflated.

Are there any risks associated with Adjustable Lap Band surgery?

All surgery involves an element of risk from developing complications. Risks such as bleeding, delayed healing, scaring, infection nausea and vomiting, band slippage, bowel perforation or band leakage will all be discussed openly at consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage and minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.

Although Adjustable Lap Band Surgery is regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist weight loss surgery.

All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your understanding and expectations in relation to these risks with a Consultant Gastro-Intestinal Surgeon cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Adjustable Lap Band surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert surgeon in Adjustable Lap Band Surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Gastro-Intestinal Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating complex Weight Loss Surgery and because of their Lap Banding expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an Expert Gastro-intestinal Surgeon in Adjustable Lap Band Surgery: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com