Gastric Banding (Gastric Band Surgery)
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1.What is it?
Gastric banding or lap banding is a proven weight loss solution. It is a key-hole procedure whereby a soft silicone band (much like a wristwatch) is fastened around the top part of the stomach to create a pouch-like smaller upper stomach.
Because of the tiny pouch, the volume of food consumed will be restricted as patients will feel full quickly and therefore eat less. The advantage of this procedure is that it is adjustable and reversible.
2. Who needs it?
There are a number of widely accepted criteria which makes an individual suitable for weight loss surgery. In general gastric band surgery is suited to individuals who are overweight, obese or have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above with at least one weight-related health problem.
3. Surgery Procedure
Gastric banding is a 30-45 minute procedure that involves small incisions in the stomach (size of a key-hole) using a camera. As it is a key-hole procedure, there is no cutting, stapling or alteration to the stomach or intestines and no major opening of the abdomen.
The gastric band is made of silicone and a balloon lines the inside. There is an access port that is connected to the gastric band by tubing. This is placed in the abdomen wall which allows saline solution to be increased or decreased in order to adjust the size of the band.
The procedure can be quickly, easily and non-surgically adjusted to effect weight loss result. Adjustable gastric banding can be reversed to allow the stomach to return to its original shape.