Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery Options
Gastric Banding

Gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure. During this procedure, two medical devices are implanted in the patient: a silicone band that is placed around the gastroesophageal junction using minimally invasive techniques and an injection port. The band creates a small pouch, which allows for only small portions of food to be consumed during meals. It does not require stapling the stomach or bypassing the intestines in any way. This procedure takes about 1 hour in the operating room, with one overnight stay in the hospital and it is just as effective as gastric bypass, but much, much safer; about 1/10 the mortality rate of gastric bypass according to the experts.

At the Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery at the University Doctors we use the LAP-BAND® System. is an inflatable silicone band that has been approved by the FDA since 2001 and the number of patients choosing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding over gastric bypass is increasing each year.

Studies have shown that Lap-Band placement results in almost no risk of post-operative complications and because this procedure is classified as a restrictive operative procedure, it means that food intake is restricted, however you never lose nutrients. With Lap-Band, you digest your food normally because no anatomical changes are made during surgery. Because of this small pouch, you will have a feeling of fullness even after a child size portion of food is consumed; so you lose weight at a safe pace ( about 2- 4 lbs per week). Most people will consume approximately 20% of their original portion size after gastric banding.

You will need to visit your surgeon only a few times after surgery for periodic adjustments or "tightenings" of your Lap-Band. This means that your surgeon will inflate the band with saline solution 3-4 times a year. The Lap-Band is connected by a small tube and access port which your surgeon will place just beneath the skin surface. It's through this port that your band will be inflated. Because the Lap-Band is adjustable even young adults can consider it. In females it can be deflated during months of pregnancy to allow for larger portions of food to be consumed and can later be inflated so that you can resume your weight loss program.

Although it can remain permanently, the Lap-Band is completely reversible. After you have achieved your weight goal, you can decide if you would like to have it removed. Studies have shown that the silicone band will remain intact and in good working condition even after 20 years.

Life After Gastric Banding

Excess Weight Loss

Gastric banding patients typically lost 47% of their excess weight.

Health Benefits

Studies found that gastric banding:

• Resolved type 2 diabetes in 47.8 percent of patients and often resolved the disease within days of surgery
• Resolved high blood pressure in 38.4% of patients
• Improved high cholesterol in 78.3% of patients

Quality of Life

One meta-analysis stated that for bariatric surgery patients who experienced significant weight loss:

• Overall quality of life improved greatly
• They experienced improved physical functioning and appearance
• They experienced improved social and economic opportunities

Recovery

Your healthcare team will advise you when to return to work and when you are able to resume normal activities.

Potential Concerns of Gastric Banding

• Gastric banding can help you feel satisfied sooner and with less food, but it won’t eliminate the desire to eat. You will need to follow your specific diet and exercise guidelines provided by your surgeon to achieve success.
• Gastric banding requires more intensive follow-up care than most other bariatric surgeries. This is mostly because the band is adjustable. Keep in mind that even after reaching and maintaining your success weight, you may still need to see your healthcare professional for further adjustments.