Gastric Band Surgery (Lap Band)

Gastric Band Surgery (Lap Band) Defined

Gastric Band surgery (Lap Band), also known as gastric banding, is a reversible weight loss surgery to overcome obesity. Using a silicone belt that loops around the top of the stomach, gastric band surgery reduces the size of the stomach to limit the amount of food that can be eaten. The results are significant weight loss.

 

 

A Good Candidate For Gastric Band Surgery (Lap Band)

Suitable candidates for gastric band surgery will be clinically obese and have a body mass index (BMI)of greater than 30. Bariatric surgery to treat obesity is the last resort in a weight loss regime and patients should have tried other weight loss methods prior to surgery. Gastric banding may not be a suitable solution and weight loss surgeons may recommend an alternative weight-loss treatment. 

Gastric Band Surgery (Lap Band) Procedure

Adjustable gastric band is a bariatric surgery procedure for obese patients. Doctors place an adjustable gastric band around the upper section of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. The stomach is not surgically separated into two pouches but a narrow channel prevents food moving quickly from the top of the stomach to the lower section. Similar to an egg-timer, food moves slowly through the two pouches of the stomach from the upper section to the lower stomach attached to the intestines. The upper section of the stomach is smaller and patients feel full quickly, preventing overeating.

Unlike Gastric Bypass Roux-en Y or Sleeve Gastrectomy surgeries, the stomach is not cut or stapled. Furthermore, gastric banding procedures are reversible. The size of the stomach pouch can be increased or decreased by tightening the band or filling it with silicone. Gastric banding surgery is performed laparoscopically using a camera to guide surgery. This approach means small incisions are made and scaring is reduced.

Gastric Band Surgery (Lap Band) Recovery And Results

Patients who undergo gastric band surgery will be able to return to work within one week of surgery.

The results of surgery will be visible gradually. Gastric band surgery is not an instant weight loss method but a solution to help sustainable, permanent weight loss. Most patients will lose 60% of excess weight following a Gastric Band procedure. The procedure is reversible.