The
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure is a
restrictive surgery. It restricts the amount of food the
stomach can hold by placing an inflatable silicone band around the
upper part of the stomach. The new, small upper stomach pouch
limits the amount of food that can be consumed at one time, and a
narrowed stomach outlet increases the time it takes for the stomach
to empty. The subsequent reduction in food intake results in
weight loss.
The size of the outlet is adjusted about six weeks after the
surgery. This adjustment helps you get the maximum restriction
necessary for weight loss. All adjustments are performed in a
surgeon's office making additional surgery unnecessary.
This surgery is only performed laparoscopically. Four to eight
small incisions are made on the abdomen in order to insert a small
camera and the tools needed to perform the surgery.
This procedure is purely restrictive in nature and therefore
reduces the risk for vitamin deficiencies and dumping syndrome that
is often seen in malabsorptive procedures. The surgery is also
reversible if the patient requires removal of the band due to
complications or intolerance.
Advantages of the adjustable gastric band are that it can be
performed quickly and with less pain than gastric bypass.
Risks
There are risks with any surgery and weight loss surgery is no
exception. Your surgeon will review all the complications of weight
loss surgery in detail with you before your surgery. Although most
surgeries have no complications, our staff of experienced medical
professionals is available to respond to any complications that may
arise.
