Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
Laparoscopic gastric banding is an inflatable silicone band that is placed around the top part of the stomach to create a pouch which can be inserted using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery as this only leaves a few small scars.
The laparoscopic gastric band restricts the amount of food that can be eaten. Attached to the gastric band is a port which is placed just under the skin. The port can be accessed with a needle to inflate or deflate the gastric band after surgery.
Advantages:
- Quick and simple procedure
- No permanent changes to the stomach
- Can be removed
- Low operative risk
Disadvantages:
- Commitment to follow-up needed to achieve good results
- A number of consultations required to inflate the gastric band to the optimum level
- A small number of people do not lose weight
The Risks
- Gastric band erosion (5%) movement of the gastric band from outside stomach to inside
- Gastric band slippage (5%) movement of the gastric band down the stomach
- Port related problems (10%)
- Gastric band infection (2%)
- Perforation of stomach (0.001%)
The Results?
- Average excess weight loss of up to 50%
You need to
- Be committed to work with your gastric band
- Follow dietary and exercise advice
- Keep your follow-up appointments to ensure you band restriction is achieved and maintained