General Information on Gastric Banding
Laparoscopic Gastric Banding is also termed as Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding and is denoted by the short form LAGB. It is commonly called Lap-band.
Is there a band or something in Gastric Banding procedure?
Yes, a device in the form of a band is present which is made of inflatable silicone and is doubtlessly biocompatible.
How and where is this band fixed in Gastric Banding?
Surgical Procedure in Gastric Banding Bariatric Surgery
A lap band or a gastric band is placed on the upper part of the stomach by performing an advanced laparoscopic procedure on the abdomen. The lap band used is made of inflatable silicone and is biocompatible.
How is weight loss achieved in Lap-band procedure?
A sense of satiety or feeling full is achieved because of the presence of the band and by this reduced consumption of food, the weight loss is achieved. Since the stomach has a lap band, the stomach can hold only less quantity of food and hence this induces less eating. Basically, the weight loss is triggered by the restricted quantity of food. It is estimated that in gastric banding bariatric surgery an average of 45% of weight can be reduced in a span of two years.
What is the primary difference between Lap-band surgery and other weight loss surgeries?
The primary difference is, in a lap-band surgery there is no cutting or removal of any part of the digestive system at all. Hence the complications are very minimal.
Is Gastric Banding the best option when compared with other Weight Loss surgeries?
Not really. There are a few disadvantages to this type.
(a) The band needs to be tightened periodically because it can become loose. This tightening procedure can be done only by the surgeon and hence this method requires visits to the surgeon periodically
(b) There is a probability that the band might slip to the food pipe and if this happens, the band can be restored only by another laparoscopic surgery.
(c) Strict diet procedures and a proper workout regimen are to be followed even after the surgery.
(d) Sometimes the patients might get a feeling that the band is too tight for them from inside. This uneasiness may not be comfortable.
(e) The lap-band is very expensive and hence the cost of the surgery is generally on the higher side.
