Obesity - Surgical options

:: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding :: Tube Gastrectomy :: Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Adjustable gastric banding. In this procedure, a hollow band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small 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.

Advantages:

• Keyhole approach …. Less scarring or wound problems Earlier return to work (1-2 weeks)
• Adjustable : by filling port the outlet size can be reduced
• Reversible: By removing fluid or the band.
• No malabsorbtion
• Lower risk

Disadvantages:

• Easy to cheat …. if chocolates or sweets taken.
• Mechanical problems:
  1. Prolapse
  2. Pouch dilatation
  3. Food bolus obstruction
  4. Slippage of the stomach through the band erosion
  5. Infection of the band or port leak
  6. Revision rate ? 5 -10%
• An entree portion forever.

Optimal pouch capacity 30 mls

Usual weight loss With Lap Band   50-60% of excess weight lost in 2 yrs

To find out more about Laparoscopic Gastric Banding visit http://www.lapband.com.au/