Gastric Band Surgery
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Gastric Band: What is it?
Lap Band Surgery
The most common procedure is the gastric band procedure. The gastric band, also
known as the lap band, is placed around the top of the stomach, decreasing its size
and therefore fills with food a lot quicker than normal. The food is then passed
gradually through the lap band to be digested.
The gastric band / lap band has being regarded by patients as "the ultimate portion
controller"!
1) Food enters the smaller portion of the stomach.
2) The band in place.
The Gastric Band can be adjusted to increase or decrease restriction.
In 3000 patients the weight loss was between 28% to 87%.
Reduces the amount of food consumed.
Digestion is not affected by surgery.
Gastric Band surgery can be reversed.
Gastric perforation or stomach tearing may require additional surgery.
Nausea and vomiting.
The patients appetite may not be satisfied.
Access port leakage or twisting may require correction.
Band slippage.
Gastric Band Weight Loss Surgery - Lap Band Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will I need plastic surgery
on the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?
That is not always the case. As a rule, plastic surgery will not be considered for at least a year or two after the operation. Sometimes the skin will mold itself
around the new body tissue. You should give the skin the time it needs to adjust
before you consider having any more surgery carried out.
Q: What will happen if I
become ill?
One of the major advantages of the GASTRIC-BAND is that it can be adjusted. If your
illness requires you to eat more, the band can be loosened. This can be done by
removing saline from it. When you have recovered from your illness and want to lose
weight again, the band can be tightened. This can be done by increasing the amount
of saline. If the band cannot be loosened enough, it may have to be removed.
Q: How is the band adjusted?
Adjustments are often carried out in the X-ray department. They are done there so
the access port can be clearly seen. When X-rays are used, your reproductive organs
should be shielded. Sometimes adjustments can be done in an outpatient clinic or
office. Local anaesthesia may or may not be needed.
A fine needle is passed through
the skin into the access port to add or subtract saline. This process most often
takes only a few minutes. Most patients say it is nearly painless.
Q: Will I be sick a lot after the operation?
The Gastric Band limits food intake. If you feel nauseated or sick on a regular
basis, it may mean that you are not chewing your food well enough or that you are
not following the diet rules properly. However, it could also mean that there is
a problem with the placement of the band, so contact our emergency service if this
problem persists. Vomiting should be avoided as much as possible as it can cause
the small stomach pouch to stretch. It can also lead to slippage of part of the
stomach through the band and reduce the success of the operation. In some cases,
it can require another operation.
Q: How long will it take to recover after surgery?
If Gastric Band surgery is performed laparoscopically, patients typically spend
less than 24 hours in the hospital. It takes most patients about a week to return
to work and a month to six weeks to resume exercising. In the case of open surgery
or if there are complications recovery may take longer.
Q: How much weight will I lose?
Weight-loss results vary from patient to patient and the amount of weight you lose
depends on several things. The band needs to be in the right position and you need
to be committed to your new lifestyle and eating habits. Obesity surgery is not
a miracle cure and the pounds won’t come off by themselves.
A weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds a week in the first year after the operation is possible,
but one pound a week is more likely. Twelve to eighteen months after the operation,
weekly weight loss is usually less. Remember that you should always lose weight
gradually. Losing weight too quickly can cause an increased risk to your health,
and could lead to a number of problems.
The main goal is to have weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves health
problems connected with severe obesity.
Q: What about pregnancy?
Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose weight. Your menstrual cycle may become
more regular. If you need to eat more while you are pregnant, the band can be loosened.
After pregnancy, the band may be made tighter again and you can resume losing weight.
Q: Will I need to take vitamin supplements?
You may. It’s possible that you may not get enough vitamins from three small meals
a day. At your regular check-ups, your specialist will evaluate whether you are
getting enough vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. Your surgeon may advise you to
take supplements.
Benefits
Risks
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