Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Procedures

Weight loss and healthy living are lifelong processes, but certainly not easy ones, especially for those who live with the disease of obesity. Yet, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight have positive effects on  blood pressure, heart function, sleep habits, arthritis, digestion, bone health, skin health, and mental and emotional well-being.

For some people who have tried traditional means of weight loss with no results, weight loss surgery may be an alternative. The Gastric banding is the least invasive and only adjustable surgical weight-loss option available in the United States.

The Procedure

A gastric band is a silicone elastomer ring that is placed around the upper part of the stomach and filled with saline. This creates a new, smaller stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below the band. Since both areas of the stomach are reduced in size, they can hold only a small amount of food. The band also controls the outlet between the two parts of the stomach that regulate blood flow between the two stomach areas. Because that outlet is smaller, the patient feels full sooner and generally does not feel hungry between meals.

The surgeon can change the size of the outlet between the two parts of the stomach by adding or removing saline from the band. By adjusting the size of the band, the surgeon can help control the patient’s weight loss. If the band is too loose and the patient isn’t losing enough weight, adding saline can further restrict the amount of food that moves through the outlet. If the band is too tight and the patient is losing weight too quickly, removing saline can loosen the band and allow more food to be consumed.

The Incision

More than 120,000 gastric bands systems have been placed in patients worldwide, with the surgery typically done laparoscopically through small incisions. Aside from decreasing incision size, laparoscopic procedures usually lessen postoperative pain and may shorten hospital stays.

There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach or bypassing of the intestines. If for any reason the band needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form. On average, most patients should expect a gradual weight loss, approximately one to two pounds per week during the first year. Patients need to be aware that the weight loss is much slower with a gastric band than with gastric bypass. Individual excess weight-loss results may vary.

Potential Complications

Patients should consult their doctor for a complete list of potential complications and about the following risks and complications:

• Pulmonary embolus– a blood clot that can travel to the lungs and cause death
• Heart attack– occurs when the heart does not get enough blood
• Stroke– occurs when the brain does not get enough blood
• Bleeding – a risk during any surgery and can be mild, requiring no treatment; moderate, requiring a transfusion; or heavy, requiring an operation to determine the source of the bleeding
• Death – a possibility during any bariatric surgery

There also are problems that can occur that are directly related to the gastric banding system:

• The band can slip.
• The stomach pouch can enlarge.
• The band can be too tight, creating an obstruction.
• The band can erode into the stomach.

Associated Cost

Comprehensive Approach

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