| Bariatric Surgery.info Adjustable Gastric Banding - eg. Lap-Band, Swedish Adjustable Band |
Use of Gastric Bands to Reduce Stomach
Size and Food Intake |
Adjustable Gastric BandingIn this bariatric operation, a small pouch is created in the upper part of the stomach by wrapping an adjustable band around the stomach about 20 mm below the gastro-esophageal junction, leaving only a narrow passageway (stoma) from the newly created pouch into the larger lower section of the stomach. Due to the greatly reduced capacity of the pouch, patients experience a rapid sense of fullness and stop eating. If patients continue to eat, they develop nausea, vomiting, or pain, which naturally constrains further eating. Band is Easily AdjustedOn the inner lining of the band there is a longitudinal balloon (like a bicycle tyre). This balloon is connected to a small tube attached to a subcutaneous port. The balloon is empty at time of surgery but afterwards is filled with saline fluid by injection through the subcutaneous port. By increasing the fluid content of the band/balloon, the opening in the stomach may at any time be widened or narrowed. Basic Digestive System UntouchedA major advantage of gastric banding surgery is that the stomach anatomy is left untouched. There are no incisions, scars, or any gastric stapling, and thus fewer side-effects or complications like anastomotic leakage, infection etc. It is the simplest type of weight loss surgery and can easily be adjusted or even reversed. Types of Adjustable Gastric BandsThere are three main types of bands in the adjustable gastric banding market. The Lapband, (LAP-BAND) manufactured by Bioenterics Corp, USA; the Swedish Adjustable Band manufactured by Obtech Medical AG of Switzerland; and the Midband, manufactured by Medical Innovation Developpement in Lyon, France. Laparoscopic or Open Gastric BandingLaparoscopy, the use of instruments connected to video monitors permitting the bariatric surgeon to see inside the operation-site, is becoming more widespread in the performance of adjustable gastric banding. Early results seem to suggest that laparoscope-assisted banding is as effective as the traditional open surgical technique, with fewer complications. However, laparoscopic surgery is more demanding on the weight loss surgeon whose results typically improve quite noticeably with experience. Weight Loss After Adjustable Gastric BandingPatients may lose 60-75 percent of their excess weight within 18 months of surgery, although it is unclear whether this level of weight loss is sustainable in the long term, as weight regain is common. Much depends on the degree of post-operative complications and patient-compliance with dietary guidelines. See also: Gastric Bypass Bariatric Information |