Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band)
Minimally Invasive. Fully Adjustable. Weight Loss on Your Terms.
What exactly is a Lap-Band?
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which involves placing an inflatable silicone ring around the upper part of the stomach via laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.
Lap-Band is adjustable, featuring an inflatable inner balloon connected to a skin port, allowing surgeons to fine-tune its tightness with saline solution. This personalised adjustability facilitates gradual weight loss by promoting a sense of fullness with reduced food consumption. The procedure’s minimally invasive nature contributes to quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays, and decreased postoperative discomfort compared to traditional surgeries, enhancing patients’ return to daily activities.
How does Lap-Band work?
Restriction
The inflatable band limits the volume of food that can be consumed at one time by restricting the diameter at the top of the stomach.
Early Satiety Induction
The constant gentle pressure at the top of the stomach slows the movement of food into the stomach, in turn giving the feeling of satiety (a sense of fullness) on a smaller amount of food.
How is the band inserted?
During Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB), a surgeon uses a laparoscope and specialised instruments and places an inflatable silicone band around the upper stomach, creating a smaller pouch that restricts food intake. This adjustable band features an inner balloon connected to a port beneath the skin, allowing for personalised tightness adjustments through the addition or removal of saline solution. The entire process is conducted with the aim of facilitating weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness with smaller food amounts.
How is the band removed?
The band can be removed through laparoscopic surgery or, in some cases, through an open surgical approach. During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in the abdomen, similar to the initial placement of the band. Specialised instruments are used to carefully dissect and remove the band.
Weight Loss With The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
The gradual, average weight loss expected with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is approximately 17-20% of total body weight (TBW). Although the Gastric Band can be removed, it is designed to be placed permanently.
Rapid weight loss over 12 months
Permanent procedure
Accompanied by a holistic lifestyle program
Support at each step & beyond
Frequently Asked Questions
The band is adjusted through a port beneath the skin connected to an inflatable inner balloon. Saline solution is added or removed from the balloon to regulate the tightness, allowing for personalised adjustments to optimise weight loss.
The minimally invasive nature of LAGB contributes to a faster recovery. Patients typically experience shorter hospital stays, less pain, and a quicker return to daily activities compared to traditional open surgeries.
Like any surgical procedure, LAGB carries potential risks and complications, including infection, band slippage, or erosion. The BMI Clinic thoroughly educates patients about these risks and provides postoperative monitoring to address any issues promptly.
Successful outcomes with LAGB require a commitment to lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and ongoing medical supervision. The BMI Clinic offers comprehensive support to help patients make and sustain these changes.
Yes, the LAGB is designed for multiple adjustments to meet the evolving needs of the patient. Regular follow-up appointments at the The BMI Clinic allow for ongoing assessments and modifications to optimise weight loss.
The actual LAGB surgery usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes, but the overall process, including preoperative assessments and postoperative recovery, may vary. The BMI Clinic ensures a comprehensive approach to patient care throughout the entire LAGB journey.