At Mercy Bariatrics we have moved away from offering the LAGB as we find the results are generally inferior to Lap Sleeve. We are happy to discuss our reasons for this and remain committed to supporting our old LAGB patients.
In the Laparoscopic Gastric Banding procedure, a hollow band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small upper stomach pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach.
The band is then inflated with a salt solution. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of salt solution. The entire procedure is done laparoscopically, where a laparoscope is inserted through the abdominal wall through small surgical incisions. It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed and slowing down your eating.
Minimally Invasive Approach
During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient’s abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.Least Traumatic Procedure
Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the laparoscopic gastric banding procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the gastric band needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.Adjustable Treatment
The adjustable gastric banding surgery is an adjustable weight loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to an access port, which is placed well below the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin.
At Mercy Bariatrics we have moved away from offering the LAGB as we find the results are generally inferior to Lap sleeve. We are happy to discuss our reasons for this and remain committed to supporting our old LAGB patients.
The adjustable gastric banding surgery advantage:
MINIMAL TRAUMA
- Least invasive surgical option.
- No intestinal re-routing.
- No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel.
- Reduced patient pain, hospital length-of-stay and recovery period.
- Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures.
- Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass.
- Reduced risk of hair loss.
- No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions.
- Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss Adjustments performed without additional surgery.
- Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs.
- Removable at any time.
- Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms and functions.
- Standard of care for hundreds of practices around the world.
- Academic publications with up to 9 years of follow-up.
- Typical weight loss 50-60% EWL over two years.
DISADVANTAGES
- Band may leak , slip or erode into stomach wall and need removal.
- Some foods such as steak and dry chicken will be difficult to eat.
- Still easy to cheat: If you choose to drink High calorie liquids or eat chocolate you wont lose weight!
- If the band is removed or fails, weight regain is nearly always experienced back to preop levels.
- Approx 3-4 % of Bands cumulatively/ year are being removed, so by 10 years 30-40% of bands have been repaired, revised or removed.
- Quality of eating not as good as for sleeve.
