What is Gastric Banding?

Gastric Banding is a surgical procedure, also known as adjustable gastric lap band, which refers to an adjustable band that is placed around the top part of the stomach. The band can be adjusted by adding or removing a saline solution that either tightens or loosens the band.

The procedure dramatically reduces the capacity of the stomach to hold food and the passage of food through the stomach is ultimately slowed down. This reduces feelings of hunger so you achieve fullness faster, typically after eating less. It is known as ‘lap band’ because it is performed using a technique called laparoscopic, or “key-hole” surgery. What makes this procedure special is the fact that it is an adjustable and reversible gastric bypass.

A Good Candidate for Gastric Banding

Requirements for gastric banding surgery are the same as for any other weight loss surgery. If your BMI is between 35 and 39, then you must also have associated severe medical problems in order to be a candidate for gastric banding. These conditions usually include diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol.

If your BMI is greater than 40, it is not required to have associated medical problems.

Gastric Banding Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthetic using a laparoscope, or viewing tube, permitting the surgeon to operate without making a large incision. During the operation, a hollow adjustable band is fitted to the top part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The pouch will limit the amount of food you can eat and the band restricts the passage of food through the stomach opening. The band can be later tightened by adding a saline solution into the band. The surgeon will also create an access point, or port, under the skin that will allow the band to be adjusted by adding or removing the amount of liquid in the band.

Typically patients spend one night in the hospital for recovery. It is imperative to allow yourself some time to adjust after lap band surgery. Most individuals can return to work in one week and resume all or most normal activities in about 6 weeks.

Average Duration of Gastric Banding: The band is usually fitted in 30 to 45 minutes and the total time in surgery is about one hour.

Risks and Side Effects of Gastric Banding

As with any surgical procedure there are risks with gastric banding. Certain risks are common to every surgical procedure, including infection and bleeding. In addition, patients may experience complications after surgery, including heartburn, vomiting, stomach ulcers, stomach wall deterioration, swallowing problems, and gas bloat.

Recovery from Gastric Banding

Having an adjustable lap band procedure is considered the least invasive type of weight loss or bariatric surgery as it does not involve cutting or stapling of the stomach. Regular after-care is essential to make the procedure work for you.

After surgery you will have a liquid diet for the first few days. This will gradually increase to blended and solid food will eventually be reintroduced to your diet.

Check-ups with clinical staff are vital to make sure the amount of liquid in the band is at the right level for you. If the band is too loose and you are not losing enough weight, more saline will be added. If it is too tight and you feel uncomfortable after eating only a small amount, liquid will be removed. On average, patients can expect to have between 3 and 5 lap band adjustments.

The amount of solution in the adjustable band is adjusted through an injection into the pre-placed port in the abdomen. The first adjustment, or fill, will usually take place a few days or weeks after surgery when the stomach has fully recovered from the operation.

Results of Gastric Banding

Results vary from person to person but most individuals can expect to lose up to 60% of their excess weight in the first few years after the gastric band is fitted. As with all bariatric or weight loss surgery, a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to both losing weight and maintaining weight loss after adjustable lap band surgery.