TREATMENT OPTIONS

Obesity Surgery

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding :: Biliopancreatic Diversion BPD
Sleeve Gastrectomy

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.