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Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding


 

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into two portions: one small and one larger portion. Since the stomach is divided into smaller parts, most patients feel full faster. As the name indicates, the band is adjustable. So if the rate of weight loss is not acceptable, the band can be adjusted. Food digestion happens through normal digestion.

This procedure has largely fallen out of favor throughout the US and rest of the world due to a high reoperation rate and less predicable long term outcomes compared to sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. About 30 percent of our practice involves removal of band and conversion to either sleeve or bypass. For these reasons, we’re rarely offering the band to our patients as a primary procedure. If you currently have a band, we would be happy to offer you a consultation to discuss your options.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

A 2004 meta-analysis of more than 22,000 patients showed that those who underwent a bariatric surgical procedure experienced complete resolution or improvement of their co-morbid conditions including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.

  • 47.9 percent of type 2 diabetes cases were resolved.
  • Significant improvements in overall cholesterol occurred, including a boost in HDL levels.
  • 70.8 percent of hypertension cases were resolved or improved.
  • Patients lost roughly 47 percent of their excess weight.
  • The amount of food that could be consumed at a meal was restricted.
  • Food passed through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be absorbed fully by the body.
  • Band can be adjusted to increase or decrease restriction via an access port.
  • Surgery can be reversed if medically necessary.

Risks and Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

  • The access port may leak or twist, which can require an operation to correct the problem.
  • Surgery may not provide the necessary feeling of satisfaction that one has had enough to eat.
  • Dumping syndrome, which may provide important warning signs, does not occur.
  • Band may erode into the stomach wall.
  • Band may move or slip.
  • The procedure could result in death.

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