Weight Loss Surgery

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding for Weight Loss Surgery

The BioEnterics LAP-BAND system is probably one of the newest surgical procedures for weight loss today. Using laparoscopic surgery, a band is placed creating a small stomach or pouch above the bulk of the stomach therefore reducing the capacity of the patient stomach and decreasing the size of meals.

Of all of the restrictive operations that are performed on the stomach, this is above all the safest and the least invasive of all - the LAPBAND. There are a great number of advantages that this weight loss procedure has over all of the other methods.

The greatest benefit that a lap band has to offer is that it is adjustable in the doctor's office. The doctor simply inserts a fine needle through the patient's abdominal skin into a reservoir which has been firmly sewn into the rectus abdominus muscle. This allows for the tightening or the loosening of the band so that the volume of the pouch is restricted thus limiting the intake of calories. Feeling full/ satiety is then accomplished, and when one incorporates this with a gentle exercise program, weight loss commences.

The Band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, and it is sewn in place laparoscopically. This means that the patient will not have a large incision but a number of tiny ones with the largest being approximately 3 to 4 cm long for the placement of the port. This usually equates to less pain after surgery as well as a quicker recovery; which means that you will not have an extended period of time off work: usually a week is sufficient.

Lapband and Procedure

This procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic, with specialist anaesthetists who will ensure your safety during your operation. They have advanced equipment to ensure the depth and efficacy of their anaesthetic and monitor your condition every moment of the procedure.

The surgery will be performed using a very small camera which will be placed in your abdomen and several laparoscopic instruments. This surgery entails the following:
Your surgeon will make a number of small cuts in your abdomen and will then pass the laparoscope, or the tiny camera, through one of these openings that the Surgeon has previously made. Then the laparoscope is connected to a video. In order to see inside the patient's stomach, the doctor will look at the video screen. The surgeon will then place some thin surgical instruments into the other openings to enable the surgeon to place the band.

A band is then placed around the upper portion of the patient's stomach which creates a small pouch.
Laparoscopic weight loss surgery does not involve any stapling or cutting of the stomach.
This surgery generally is performed in 30 to 60 minutes.

Why the Procedure is Performed

If you are morbidly obese and have not been able to lose adequate weight after both dieting and exercising, or you have been able to lose weight but always regain it; you may be a candidate for laparoscopic surgery. This surgery must not be seen as a "quick fix" for losing weight. A person is strongly encouraged to start a regular diet and exercise program in order for lap band surgery to assist them fully. Lap band surgery is performed to assist in strengthening the patient’s will power: - it will not guarantee to do all the work for a patient.

If a patient does not make a commitment to assist this process, they may have poor weight loss and it may take an extended period of time to achieve y the desired goal weight.

If you have some conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, hypertension, depression or heart disease and are morbidly obese, you may find that these conditions will drastically improve after your laparoscopic weight loss surgery and by achieving your weight loss goals.