:: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
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Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

The Laparoscopic Gastric Band is the most common surgical weight procedure performed in Australia.

The device is a inflatable silicone ring that is placed and secured around the upper part of the stomach by keyhole surgery. This ring creates a smaller 'pouch' at the top of the stomach, which limits the amount of food that is consumed. This also slows the foods movement through the stomach, reducing and suppressing the appetite.

The inflatable silicone ring has a small port attached, that is placed in the abdomen. Fluid can then be inserted or removed to control the amount of food that can be consumed. These adjustments, 'band-fills' are performed regularly at our clinic, taking approximately 10 minutes.

Although the Gastric Band can be removed, it is designed to be placed permanently.

Advantages:

• Keyhole approach .. Less scarring or wound problems Earlier return to work (1-2 weeks)
• Adjustable : by filling port the outlet size can be reduced
•  Reversible: By removing fluid or the band.
• No malabsorbtion
• Lower risk

Disadvantages

• Easy to cheat .. if chocolates or sweets taken.
•  Mechanical problems:
  • prolapse
  • pouch dilatation
  • food bolus obstruction
  • slippage of the stomach through the band erosion
  • infection of the band or port leak
  • Revision rate ? 5 -10%
• An entree portion forever.

Optimal pouch capacity 30 mls

Usual weight loss With Lap Band   50-60% of excess weight lost in 2 yrs