| Bariatric Surgery.info Lap Band Gastric Banding Procedure |
Restrictive surgery reduces size of stomach
with gastric ring/band |
Lap Band Gastric Banding ProcedureLap band surgery is a restrictive bariatric procedure which reduces the size of the stomach by means of a gastric ring or band (lap band) to restrict food intake and thus calorie consumption. Where is Lap Band PerformedFor high risk patients, lap band operations are typically performed in a hospital equipped with an intensive care unit. Alternatively, your bariatric surgeon may perform the banding procedure in a surgery center. This type of restrictive gastric banding surgery is less effective than bypass, mainly because patients continue to eat high calorie foods. Lap Band Pre-Operative ProcedurePatients undergo screening and examination to determine whether gastric banding is a suitable and safe method to reduce patient obesity. The pre-operative examination includes imaging studies, a gastroscopy and blood tests. Lap Band OperationThis bariatric procedure is conducted under general anesthesia and operating time needed to insert a lap band by traditional surgical means is about 45-60 minutes depending on patient weight. Laparoscopic gastric banding typically takes a little longer - typically about 90 minutes. This compares with a minimum of 3+ hours for laparoscopic or open gastric bypass. Inside the band there is a balloon which is gradually filled with saline fluid by injection through a subcutaneous port, or via a reservoir connected to the band by a thin tube. The reservoir is typically positioned under the skin on the lower chest or abdomen. The lap band is designed to be inflated or deflated at any time after the operation, to suit patient needs and/or medical condition. See also: ------------------------------------------------ Gastric Bypass Bariatric Information |