Stomach Banding| Gastric Band Surgery| Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery


What is gastric band The band is made of silicone and is designed to wrap around the top part of your stomach. Inside the band is a balloon that can be adjusted (tighter or looser grip on the stomach) by adding or taking fluid out of the adjustment port. This is placed on the muscle of your belly and is connected to the band by tubing. How does it work A new very small stomach is created above the band so you will feel full after eating or drinking just a few mouthfuls. The food empties slowly from this pouch so you should feel hungry less often. This will make it easier for you to lose weight. The speed of weight loss can be controlled by making the balloon tighter or looser by performing injections in the outpatients clinic to adjust the volume of fluid in the balloon.
Who can have a band inserted We have strict criteria for band insertion 1. BMI 35 and above or 32.5 and above with significant medial problems (diabetes/high blood pressure/bone and joint problems etc). 2. At least six months of serious attempts at weight loss with only temporary success. 3. Motivated patients understanding potential benefits.
How is the band put inside me You will be fully asleep (general anesthesia). Five small cuts are made on the belly. The operation is done through these small cuts (keyhole or laparoscopic surgery).So you will have very little pain after the procedure and can rapidly leave hospital and get back to normal activity in a day or so.
What does happen before the operation The operation will be discussed in detail with you by your surgeon in the weight management clinic. he will organize some investigations (blood and urine, tests , chest x-ray and heart tests)to check your general health. Our heavy patient (BMI above 45) will be asked to go on a special diet. Called a very low calorie diet (VLCD) for two weeks just before their surgery. These patients are asked to loose at least 10kg during the two weeks to make their surgery easier and therefore safer. What happens after the operation The evening after your operation you will be allowed sips of water to drink. The next morning you will be allowed to drink some low sugar fluids,. You will find that you feel full after just a few mouthfuls because of the band. You will se dietitian for advice about what you are allowed to take by mouth. You will also see physiotherapist to heck the exercise plan. Then you are allowed to go back to your home. What are the rules about diet after operation For the two weeks while the band is setting down you will only be allowed only low sugar fluids. For the next two weeks you will be allowed soft (pureed) diet. After four you weeks can start introducing solid food but for the remainder of your life you should follow these golden rules: Eat three small meals a day only Eat slowly and chew well Stop eating as soon as you feel full Eat a balanced and varied diet Do not eat between meals Drink little or no fluid with your meals Drink plenty of fluids between your meals Drink low calorie fluids only Exercise at least 30 minutes each day Only dietitician and physiotherapist will help explain what you must do. How much weight loss I can expect All our patients lose weight. The amount of weight loss varies between patients but on average 50-60% of the excess weight is lost in the first year. We will help you calculate excess weight. It is the amount of weight you need to lose to bring our BMI down to 23 (the upper limit of healthy weight in Asian patients). Some patients lose more weight than that. Are there any complications from the band Significantly lower morality risk than other obesity surgery procedures. Low risk of nutritional deficiencies as compared to gastric bypass. Reversible. Removable at any time Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms and functions. Effective long term weight loss. More than 3000, 000 cases perform world wide. Academic publications with more than 10 years of follow up.