Lap Band Surgery - Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery
Gastric Lap Band Surgery Basics
Developed to aid in long-term weight loss, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure has been used by leading bariatric surgeons worldwide to overcome severe obesity. Sustained weight loss with the adjustable gastric banding surgery is achieved by reducing the capacity of the stomach. The adjustable gastric band is a simple silicone ring that is placed around the upper part of the stomach, forming a small gastric pouch to limit and control the amount of food you eat and slow the emptying process from the stomach into the intestines.
Lapband® and Johnson & Johnson Band®
Inside the band resides an inflatable, circular balloon that can be inflated and deflated by using an access port placed under the skin of the abdomen. Once the adjustable gastric band has been placed, the surgeon can sequentially inflate the balloon by performing an "adjustment".It is the injection of a small amount of fluid [saline] via the access port into the balloon inside the band to cause restriction. This method of surgery is commonly called the lapband surgery.
Fullness and satisfaction is experienced with just a small amount of food. The reduced food intake results in dramatic weight loss.
About the LAP-BAND®
About the Johnson & Johnson™ Band
Laparoscopic Placement of an Allergan LapBand and Johnson & Johnson Band
The Adjustable Gastric Band surgery is done laparoscopically (also known as keyhole surgery). A large incision is not required. The stomach area is accessed via four to six very small incisions (1cm) which are then closed with self- dissolving sutures. The recovery time is rapid. Many people are able to resume their regular activities a week or less after their surgery. The Adjustable Gastric Band operation is performed under general anesthesia and can last between 30 minutes to over an hour.
- Lap Band Surgery Success Stories - Before and After Photos of Lap Band Surgery Patient (Gastric Band Surgery)
- Lap Band Surgery Diet - Post Surgery Lap Band Diet Guide
- Lap Band Surgery Costs - Average Cost of Lap Band (Gastric Band Surgery)
- Lap Band Surgery FAQs - Common questions on Lap Band Surgery
Adjustable Gastric Banding, Lap Band Diet
To maximize the benefits of your Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Journey you should eat several small nutritionally balanced meals each day. It will still be important to eat foods that are low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sugar. During the first week after surgery you should be eating soft food. Then you should start eating vegetable and fruits from the second week and start to include meat patties, fish, egg or beans from the third week. From the fourth week you may eat chicken but the food have to be moist by sauce or any moistening additions you prefer as long as it is not dry food. From the fifth week you can eat ground beef and you can resume your normal meals starting from the sixth week. But you have to make your diet healthier with small meals, 8 cups of water every day and eat slowly. You will begin noticing you weight loss in the first weeks!
- Remember to chew slowly and take smaller bites and
- Include protein in your meals which will help you feel full longer
- Avoid high-calorie drinks
- Drink more water, but not during meals
Advantages of the Adjustable Gastric Band Include:
- It can be inserted laparoscopically without a large incision
- It does not require any opening in the gastrointestinal tract which reduces the risk of infection
- There is no staple line to come apart
- It is adjustable
- It is fully reversible
- It is tolerated well by most persons of all ages and physical conditions
- There is no mal-absorption or "dumping syndrome"
- This operation may be particularly suited to persons who are from 50 to 200 pounds overweight
- Short hospital stay (around 24 hours)
Disadvantages of Lap Band Surgery:
Although it has promising effects, Lap Band Surgery has some disadvantages like:
- Mechanical functional defects of the band may be present
- Surgical complications less common as infection, pain in the incision site, etc
- Possibility of leakage from the band, mechanical dislocation of the band, infection of the solution inside it or developing some GIT disturbances in susceptible patients after the surgery
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery - RNY Gastric Bypass
Pre-operative preparations:
As any surgical procedure, there are some pre-operative preparations to fulfill carefully. The pre-operative preparatory instructions from your doctor will mainly include:
- Start Atkins diet for 2 weeks before the surgery to reduce the fat around your liver
- Make sure to be on a regular intake of clear fluids 48 hours before surgery
- You must cleanse your colon before surgery by taking magnesium citrate or Colyte
- Stop any medication unless indicated and recommended by your doctor
- Stop any herbal medication and over the counter medications for headache or allergy or other similar conditions 7 days before the surgery
Post-operative lifestyle & Dietary modifications:
You will be instructed to change your diet and eating habits. Drink more water (about 8 cups of water per day) and increase this amount 10-20% if you are exercising. You MUST not drink water or fluids with solid food.
Regarding your meals, the first couple of months will be the hardest times as you have to adapt to your new stomach size. You must chew food well and eat smaller amount of food within longer meal time (30-45 minutes for meal). You must stop eating once you feel full. You should have 3 meals per day but the most important thing is to reduce fats and carbohydrates and make the main nutrient of your diet protein.
Although its' effects may not be as profound and rapid as the gastric bypass, the risk of the procedure appears to be less and the recovery time is the shortest. The success rate for satisfactory weight reduction is significant, view Lap Band Before and After Photos.
Lap Band Surgery Procedure done in Mexico
Lap band is the simplest and oldest form of bariatric surgery. It is a low risk surgical procedure and can offer individualized treatments. Two people cannot have the same level of satiety. The advantage of having lap band surgery is that you can adjust the satiety level as required. This is usually done by adjusting the saline pouch.
The first fill is usually scheduled between 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. It actually depends on the healing process. This poses a problem for lap band surgery patients in Mexico. Fills are available in many areas of the United States.
Lapband Surgery - Lap Band Surgery Blog
