Laparoscopic: Gastric Banding Operation
T
he gastric band / lap band has being regarded by patients as "the ultimate portion controller"!
Also known as the Lap Band, The Gastric Band is placed around the top of the stomach which decreases the stomach size, resulting with the stomach filling with food quicker than normal.
The digestion of the food passing through the lap band is more gradual than normal resulting in less appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How is the Band Adjusted?
A: The band can be adjusted in x-ray or on occasions in out patients or a clinic. The X-Ray will show a clear picture of the access port. Your reproductive organs should be shielded in x-ray. Local anaesthesia may or may not be used. To add or remove saline from the port, a fine needle is passed through the skin. This is an almost painless procedure and is completed within a few minutes.
Q: Will I be sick a lot after the Operation?
A: Food intake is limited with the Gastric Band, so if on a regular basis you feel sick or nauseated this could mean that you are not chewing your food properly or not following diet correctly. However is sickness persists it could mean thee is a problem with placement of band and it is advisable to contact emergency services. Vomiting could cause stretching of stomach pouch or slippage of part of stomach through band reducing the success of the operation should be avoided as much as possible.In some circumstances a further operation may be required
Q: How long will it take for Recovery?
A: Usually Patients will spend no more than 24 hrs in hospital if Laparoscopic surgery is performed. Most patients return to work after a week and can resume exercising within a month to six weeks. In case of open surgery or complications it may take longer.
Q: If I have surplus skin after weightloss will I need surgery?
A: Sometimes the skin will mould itself around new body tissue, so surgery after weightless is not always the case. Usually it will be 1 to 2 years after loss before surgery would be considered. You should give your skin time to adjust before considering any additional surgery
Q: If I become ill, what happens?
A: One of the Gastric Band’s main advantage is that it can be adjusted, so if you are required to eat more due to illness, we can adjust band by removing saline solution from it, thus loosening band. After recovery if you want to lose weight again, the band can be tightened. Band may have to be removed if band cannot be loosened enough.
Q: How much weight will I lose?
A: Patient to patient weight loss results varies and the amount of weight you lose depends on various things. You need to be committed to eating habits and new lifestyle. The pounds will not come off by themselves and Gastric Band surgery is not a miracle cure. A weight loss of a pound a week in first year after operation is likely but 2 to 3 pounds is possible. Weight loss is usually less 12 to 18 months after operation and it is important to remember to lose weight gradually.
Losing weight too quickly can lead to health problems and an increased risk to your health. The main goal of weightless in to resolve, improve and prevent any health issues linked to severe Obesity
Q: What about Pregnancy?
A: Your menstrual cycle may become more regular, and becoming pregnant can be easies as you lose weight. I you need to eat more the Band can be loosened and after pregnancy if you want to resume weightless the band can be tightened.
Q: Will I need to take Vitamin Supplements?
A: With three small meals a day it is possible that you are not getting enough Vitamins. Your consultant will evaluate you on your regular check up’s and advise you on whether you are getting enough Iron, B12, folic acid and also if you need additional supplements.
