TREATMENT OPTIONS

Obesity Surgery

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding :: Biliopancreatic Diversion BPD
Sleeve Gastrectomy

How does the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding work?

Find out more in this web based movie.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Adjustable gastric banding. In this procedure, a hollow band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is then inflated with a saline solution. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of fluid.

Advantages:

• Keyhole approach .. Less scarring or wound problems. One or two nights in hospital. Earlier return to work (1-2 weeks)
• Adjustable : by filling port the outlet size can be reduced
• Reversible: By removing fluid or the band.
• No malabsorbtion
• Lower risk than other weight loss operations – risk of death about .01% (1:1000)

Disadvantages

• Easy to cheat .. if chocolates , liquid calories, (purees, smoothies etc )are consumed
•  Mechanical problems:
• prolapse - the band can slip and need to be replaced
• pouch dilatation - the pouch above the band can distend
• food bolus obstruction - bread or pieces of red meat or chicken are likely to get stuck
• Leakage from the reservoir, tubing or balloon – requires replacement of leaking component
• Erosion of the band into the stomach – approximately 1% chance
• Dislodgement of the reservoir
• Limited food choices
• An entree portion forever.
• No bread, pieces of meat, or pieces of chicken

Usual weight loss With Lap Band   50-60% of excess weight lost in 2 yrs

Click here for some frequently asked questions on Lapband Surgery.