What is Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB)?

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, also known as bariatric surgery, is a procedure performed using small incisions in the upper abdomen. The surgeon places an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch. This pouch limits the amount of food that can be consumed, resulting in a feeling of fullness and aiding in weight loss.

The band can be adjusted by adding or removing fluid in a balloon surrounding it. This procedure is done through a port that is placed under the skin of your abdomen. A tube connects the port to the band around your stomach. During follow-up appointments, your doctor will use a needle to access the port and inject fluid into it. The fluid then travels through the tube and into the balloon surrounding the band, which tightens the top part of the stomach. Typically, a small amount of fluid is added at each visit to monitor your weight loss progress. If the band becomes too tight, fluid will be removed.

What are the requirements to qualify for Lap-Band surgery?

If you meet the criteria, your healthcare provider might suggest bariatric surgery as a possible treatment option for your condition.

• A body mass index (BMI) that is 40 or above is indicative of having a significant amount of body fat compared to one’s height and weight. Having a BMI score of 40 or higher is linked to an increased probability of developing health conditions associated with obesity.
• An individual with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 35 and experiencing at least one disease related to obesity is considered to have class III obesity. On the other hand, having a BMI of 35 without any associated medical condition is classified as class II obesity.

You will need to go through a medical evaluation to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery. This may involve physical examinations, blood tests, or imaging scans of your abdomen. If you smoke, excessively consume alcohol, or use opioids excessively, you will be required to quit before being eligible for the surgery.

Gastric Banding Procedure

The placement of this device involves securing it around the upper portion of the stomach, which forms a small pouch just above the band.

How Gastric Banding Procedure Works

The sensation of being full is determined by the size of the passage connecting the pouch and the rest of the stomach. This passage can be modified by injecting fluids via a port located beneath the skin. While food passes through the stomach as usual, its intake is restricted by the smaller opening created by the band. However, its effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes is somewhat limited, and its impact on metabolism is modest.

Advantages Of Gastric Banding

• The rate of complications shortly after surgery is the lowest.
• No division of the stomach or intestines
• Patients have the option to return to their homes on the same day of the surgical procedure.
• The band can be removed if needed
• Shows the least chance of encountering deficiencies in vitamins and minerals

Disadvantages Of Gastric Banding

1. During the initial year, the band might require multiple modifications and regular visits to the office on a monthly basis.
2. Losing weight happens at a slower pace and is less significant in comparison to other surgical methods.
3. Slippage or erosion can occur over time and pose a potential danger to the stomach.
4. Foreign implant is necessary to be kept inside the body.
5. Has a high rate of re-operation
6. May lead to difficulty swallowing and an increase in the size of the tube connecting the throat and stomach.

Have there been any alterations in the digestive system?

The biggest benefit of gastric band surgery is that it does not alter the structure of the stomach. This means there is less risk of complications like leaks, bleeding, and infection because the stomach and intestines remain unchanged. This surgical procedure is the easiest type of weight loss surgery. Additionally, the band’s restrictive feature can be temporarily turned off by removing fluid from the port, and the whole process can be reversed by completely removing the band.

What can I expect in terms of my diet post gastric band surgery?

Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions on what to eat. Initially, you’ll need to consume only liquids for a few weeks. Then, you will slowly introduce pureed foods, followed by soft foods, and eventually solid foods. This gradual progression is necessary to allow your stomach to heal. Once you resume eating solid foods, it’s important to control your portions to accommodate your smaller stomach pouch. Consuming excessive amounts of food may lead to feelings of sickness and vomiting. Moreover, selecting nutritious, high-quality foods and chewing them thoroughly is crucial to ensure you receive adequate nutrients.

What kind of follow-up care will I have?

In the first year after your surgery, you will have frequent visits to your healthcare provider to make necessary changes to your gastric band. As you continue to lose weight, it may be necessary to tighten your Lap-Band in order to maintain your weight loss. Additionally, you will regularly undergo blood tests to ensure that you are receiving enough nutrients from your new diet. You may also receive nutritional counseling to help you adapt to new eating habits. If needed, your healthcare provider may prescribe supplements.

Rules to follow

• It is highly recommended that you consume your food at a slow pace.
• It is advisable to thoroughly chew your meals while eating.
• It is strongly recommended to avoid carbonated beverages like soda and cola.
• You should drink water between meals.
• You should eat food in small bites.
• It is recommended to have your teeth examined to ensure that your chewing ability is adequate.
• Once you start feeling full, it is advisable to halt your eating.
• According to your abilities and preferences, it is recommended that you engage in different exercises twice a week.

Having LAGB Surgery in Turkey?

The patient must carefully search for an appropriate service provider, have information, and ask about the surgeon and his experience. And also, checking examples of his previous operations.

Accordingly, we encourage you to contact the Health & Beauty to obtain all information and details, and to ensure that you have your operation done by the hands of the most skilled doctors working in this specialty.

Request a free consultation.