Lap Band SurgeryGastric banding is a surgical treatment for obesity. These kinds of intervention are known as bariatric surgery. The procedure constricts the stomach, so that a person feels full after eating less food than usual.

 

  • Gastric band surgery is a type of weight loss, or bariatric, surgery.
  • It is a minimally invasive, quick, reversible and adjustable surgical procedure that decreases the size of the stomach to reduce food intake.
  • It involves placing an inflatable band around the top of the stomach, which results in a person feels fuller with less food.
  • After surgery, it is necessary to follow a strict liquids-only diet with gradual reintroduction of soft foods for up to 6 weeks.
  • Banding can result in significant weight loss and improve diabetes, but weight loss varies greatly.

 

How does it work?

Gastric band surgery involves applying an inflatable band to reduce the size of the stomach.

Gastric banding is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves placing a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to decrease stomach size and reduce food intake.

It is approved for use as a weight-loss treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, and the tube attached to the band is accessible through a port under the skin of abdomen.

Using this port, the surgeon injects saline solution into the band to inflate it.

Adjustments are made to alter the degree of constriction around the stomach. The band creates a small stomach pouch above it, with the rest of the stomach below.

The smaller stomach pouch reduces the amount of food that can be held in the stomach at any one time. The result is an increased feeling of fullness after eating a smaller amount of food. This, in turn, reduces hunger and helps lower overall food intake.

An advantage of this form of bariatric procedure is that all food consumed is digested and absorbed normally. There is no malabsorption.

 

Surgery

A gastric band is fitted under general anesthesia. It is usually done in an outpatient clinic, and the individual usually goes later the same day.

The procedure is minimally invasive. It is performed through keyhole incisions. The surgeon makes between one and five small surgical cuts in the abdomen. Surgery is carried out using a laparoscope, a long narrow tube with a camera. The procedure often takes 30 to 60 minutes.

The patient should not eat from midnight before the day of the surgery. Most people can resume most normal activities within 2 days, but they may need to take a week’s leave from work.

 

Diet after surgery

At first, the intake of food must be restricted.

  • For the first few days, diet is restricted to water and fluids, such as thin soups.
  • Until the end of 4 weeks, liquids and blended foods, such as yogurt and puréed vegetables can be eaten.
  • From 4 to 6 weeks, soft foods are introduced.
  • After 6 weeks, the person can resume a normal diet.

 

Who should have it?

Gastric band placement is only recommended in cases of severe obesity, when the body-mass index (BMI) is 35 or above, or over 30 if there are other obesity-related problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.

Surgery is only considered after other forms of treatment have failed, such as lifestyle changes to diet and activity, and medications.

Weight loss surgery is not recommended for people with:

  • current drug or alcohol abuse
  • uncontrolled psychiatric illness
  • impaired ability to understand the risks and benefits, outcomes, alternatives, and lifestyle changes demanded

 

Benefits

Lap Band SurgeryThe advantages of laparoscopic gastric banding include:

  • the possibility of long-term weight loss for those with obesity
  • relatively rapid recovery
  • smaller chance of wound infections and hernias after surgery
  • reduced risk of diabetes, high blood pressureurinary incontinence, and other conditions related to excess weight
  • no loss of nutrient absorption
  • improved quality of life after surgery in many cases

There is also the option to remove or adjust the band. Adjustability means it can be tightened or loosened, for example, if not enough weight is being lost, or there is vomiting after eating.

On average, between 40 and 60 percent of excess weight may be lost, but this depends on the individual.

 

Is Lap Band surgery painful?

What can I expect my lifestyle to be after lap band surgery (LAGB)? Immediately aftersurgery, there will be some pain and discomfort that can be controlled with medications. This is part of the normal recovery phase after any surgical procedure. … Weight loss with LAGB is a gradual process.

 

What foods can you eat with a lap band?

Experts suggest that people who have this surgery not eat foods rich in fiber. These foods include celery, corn, oranges, pineapples, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. These kinds of foods can get caught above the band. Eating bread or popcorn may cause a blockage.

 

 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/298313.php

https://www.medicinenet.com/lap_band_surgery_gastric_banding/article.htm

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=134&contentid=105