Gastric banding
An Introduction To Adjustable Gastric Banding
This procedure is considered less invasive to perform than the traditional Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass or Duodenal Switch procedures and as a consequence, has far lower post-surgical complications. However, positioning the Lap-Band correctly is absolutely 'key' to the success and long-term safety of this operation.
How is a Gastric Band "Lap Band' Fitted?
Under general anaesthetic a flexible soft band made of poly-elastomer is skillfully positioned and sewn around the entrance of the stomach through 'key hole' surgery'. When the band is inflated with saline solution it will swell and become a more snug fit around the entrance to the stomach itself. This restriction dramatically reduces an individual's capacity to take on board a large volume of food or fluid.
The gastric band can be made tighter or looser throughout a patient's treatment program. The band is tightened or loosened by injecting into or withdrawing saline solution from the band. The saline is introduced or withdrawn via a small access port secured under the surface of the abdominal skin. The small access port under the skin is in turn connected to the band via a tubing device.
How Does An Adjustable Gastric Band Aid Weight Loss?
When an adjustable band is fitted in a secure position around the entrance of the stomach and inflated with saline, the band tightens and slows down the passage of food into the actual stomach. Patients with a Lap-Band in place, experience a feeling of fullness for longer after only a small volume of food in comparison to their appetite prior to 'Lap Band' surgery.
Which Patients Are Most Suitable For Gastric Band Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for an adjustable Gastric Band if you are over 18 years old and committed to achieving significant weight loss but willing to go through a slightly slower and a more steady and progressive weight loss experience than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or duodenal switch candidates.
At consultation with Mr Agwunobi you will be assessed to ensure you are completely committed to changing your habits and lifestyle and to ensure that you do not have any medical or psychological issues that will prevent you fully benefiting from this procedure.
You will also need to be committed to adhering to close follow-ups with the weight loss surgery team, as this helps improve the effectiveness of the Lap-Band and maintains your weight loss potential in the long term.
The inflation of the band is known as an 'in-fill' procedure and it is painlessly and speedily performed either in an out patient clinic or in the X-ray department depending on the individual circumstances.
There are many advantages of Gastric Banding (Lap-Band Surgery) over other surgical weight loss techniques?
Adjustable gastric banding has some definite advantages over other weight loss techniques, including the following:
- Patient will experience a steady and natural weight loss experience as no intestines are cut or re-routed.
- Patients do not have any mal-absorbtion risks or need to take nutritional supplements following surgery (because no intestines are bypassed)
- Gastric bands are totally adjustable making it easy to tailor it to individual patient's needs.
- Patients don't experience the dumping syndrome which is an unpleasant side effect related to the intolerance of sugar experienced with other types of surgery.
- The band can be removed if necessary, so the surgery is reversible and the stomach will return to normal if the band is removed
- Gastric banding has much lower complication and mortality rate compared to gastric bypass surgery
- Least invasive: No significant scars, cutting or stapling of the stomach
- Short hospital stay and a quick recovery
Cutting your calorie intake with the help of Gastric Banding has more advantages than just guaranteed weight loss. Here are the top 9 benefits of Weight Loss Surgery:
1. Effective And Maintainable Weight Loss
If you have spent years failing to lose weight or become disheartened after piling on the weight you have just struggled to lose then bariatric surgery will ensure that the weight loss you achieve is more easily attained and maintained. Weight loss surgery will stop the 'yo yo' effect so commonly experienced with normal diet regimes. Studies have shown that the majority of weight lost over t5 years with normal diet and exercise regimes is regained over the proceeding five years - if this sounds familiar to you? then obesity surgery could be the most ideal solution to this problem for you!
2. Improved Quality And Quantity Of Life
Nearly all weight loss surgery patients report to having developed a newfound sense of well being after successful surgery. Common feedback suggests that being able to at last focus on other activities other than just focussing on where the next meal will come from brings a tremendous sense of freedom and improved quality of life. In addition, energy levels improve tremendously as weight loss occurs and increases, giving a new opportunity to take on new hobbies and activities that throughout obesity were difficult or even impossible.
3. Improved Appetite Control
Following successful weight loss surgery patients typically report that they are relieved to find that their eternal feelings of hunger and continual pre-occupation with food decreases and diminishes dramatically allowing a new focus on getting into shape and leading a healthier and more fulfilling life style.
4. Improved Health
Obesity related health issues are serious issues and will eventually lead to significant health deterioration and an early death. After successful weight loss surgery you can expect to experience a dramatic improvement or cure in the following conditions:
- Type2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Joint And Back Pain
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
- High Cholesterol
- Heart Disease
- Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Diseases
- Respiratory problems
- Osteoarthritis
- Cardiovascular Function
- Infertility
5.Improved Self -Esteem
If you have struggled with your weight for years the long-term sense of guilt, embarrassment, shame and lack of self-esteem can take its toll. Following successful weight loss surgery the vast majority of patients report that they begin to feel proud and less self conscious and embarrassed as their weight loss progressively increases. The positive feelings of gaining confidence and control over a life that has been blighted by long-term obesity related issues are profound.
6. Looking Good
A slimmer healthier body is a pleasure to dress and look after and as patients start to loose their pounds and look better, they also tend to take greater pride in their outward appearance and begin to pay more careful attention to their wardrobe, hair and make-up. Successful weight loss candidates report that shopping for regular sized clothes becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.
7. Relations and opportunities
It's sad but true that your size and outward appearance can prejudice and influence the perception and attraction of others at work, at home and within relationships. Most successful weight loss surgery candidates experience a most positive and supportive reaction from those around them to their weight loss efforts and in turn report that favourable opportunities in relations, lifestyle and at work seem to increase as their weight decreases.
8. Mobility And Comfort
Most patients who have endured long-term obesity suffer with physical pain and discomfort of some sort or another as their weight escalates. Following weight loss surgery what may have been an overwhelming challenge pre-operatively becomes increasingly achievable, manageable and comfortable.
9. Economic Benefits
Living in a thin persons body rather than an obese persons body can have a significant and positive impact on your grocery bills - the economic benefits of not having to eternally search and shell out for the next large meal and have a continually packed fridge and freezer is a significant financial benefit to all successful Weight loss surgery candidates.
Are there any post-surgery complications to consider?
Although gastric Band surgery is considered one of the safest of all the weight loss techniques it is still surgery and all risks and complications will be fully explained in detail at your consultation, so that you can be fully aware of all the facts you need to know before making a decision to proceed or not with any surgery.
You may experience problems with the band that may require more surgery. For example, you may experience access port problems, tubing problems and gastric band slippage (where the stomach below or above the band slips through the band).
On rare occasions where the gastric band is not fitted correctly serious complications associated with the migration of the band such as restricted blood flow to the stomach, surrounding tissue erosion or death and infection can be experienced. If this occurs the gastric band will need to be re-fitted or if infection is present, removed completely.
As with any surgery, you could experience complications, including leakage, pulmonary embolism (a blood clot to the lungs), bleeding, infection, hernia and even on the most rare occasions, death.
You may regain some of the weight you lost if you do not continue to follow the lifestyle changes required for any weight loss surgery procedure and these will be explained to you at the time of your consultation and ongoing follow-up visits after your surgery.
You may need to have the band removed because you have trouble tolerating it, either for physical or psychological reasons.
After recovering from surgery, gastric banding requires a considerable adjustment to eating smaller portions, which some patients find difficult, and weight loss may be less than expected.
Are You Ready For the Next Step?
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about gastric banding and discover if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure, please telephone 0161 432 2061, email or use the Contact form to organise a consultation appointment.