Gastric Lap Band Surgery

Gastric Lap Band Surgery is loosing popularity compared to other weight loss surgeries due to higher rates of minor complications and re-operation risk (band erosion and band slippage). As a result, most bariatric surgeons today recommend gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or duodenal switch.

Although gastric lap-band surgery is on the decline, there are patients who choose it. If you decide gastric banding is the best option, we can help you find a trusted and experienced bariatric surgeon who can perform band adjustments in the U.S – just ask our representatives for help.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding was clinically introduced in 1993. It is estimated that over 700,000 lap-band procedures have been performed worldwide. Currently, there are two FDA approved gastric banding devices on the market designed to treat obesity: LAP-BAND© and Realize Gastric Band.

The gastric lap-band reduces your stomach’s capacity and restricts the amount of food you are able to eat at one time. When compared to gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, it is the least invasive bariatric surgery option. Contact us today for details.

Gastric lap band surgery procedure

Gastric banding surgery takes about 1 hour of operating time. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 night following surgery for observation during recovery and return to work within 1 week. Our food and nutrition experts remain by your side 24/7 long after gastric banding.

Weight loss after gastric lap band surgery

Weight loss results vary from patient to patient, and the amount of weight you may be lose depends on your commitment to forming new eating habits. A typical weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds per week in the first year after surgery is possible, but one pound a week is more likely.

  • You could expect to loose anywhere between 52 to 130 pounds during the first year.

Is gastric lap band surgery right for you?

Gastric lap band has helped hundreds of thousands of obese patients lose weight. It may be the right option for you if:

  • Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or more
  • You tried other weight loss options without long-term success
  • You are not pregnant
  • You are ready to form new eating habits
  • You are prepared to change your lifestyle

How adjustable gastric banding works

Gastric banding surgery involves an inflatable band that is wrapped around the upper portion of the stomach. This creates a small stomach pouch above the band, and the rest of the stomach below the band. The simple explanation of how this device works is that with a smaller stomach pouch, eating just a small amount of food will satisfy hunger and promote the feeling of fullness.

  • Gastric lap-band surgery is known as a “restrictive” procedure because it shrinks (restricts) your stomach to make you feel full sooner. A smaller stomach slows and limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. So the feeling of fullness depends upon the size of the opening between the small stomach pouch above the band and the rest of the stomach poach below the gastric lap band.
  • Gastric lap-band surgery is the least invasive weight loss procedure. It is completely reversible and is performed laparoscopically. Benefits to the patient include a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery compared to surgical procedures.

Advantages of gastric banding

Gastric banding is considered the safest of all weight loss surgery because there is no cutting, stapling or re-routing of the stomach. When to compared to other bariatric procedures, advantages of gastric banding include:

  • Least invasive bariatric surgery
  • No intestinal re-routing
  • No cutting or stapling of the stomach
  • No vitamin or mineral deficiencies due to malabsorption
  • No protein-calorie malabsorption
  • Small incisions and minimal scarring
  • Short hospital stay and quick recovery
  • Adjustable and reversible
  • Fewer risks and side effects

Gastric banding has fewer risks

  • Lower lower mortality risk than other bariatric surgery procedures
  • Lower risk of nutritional deficiencies that are associated with gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, etc
  • Lower risk of hair loss
  • No dumping syndrome related to dietary intake restrictions

Disadvantages of gastric banding

  • Slower initial weight loss
  • Requires a foreign device to remain in the body
  • Potential for band erosion or band slippage
  • Band can loosen which increases pouch size
  • Physician follow up is critical for best results
  • Highest rate of re-operation

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