Lap Band Surgery

What to Expect with Lap Band Surgery

Preparing for Surgery

The first step is a consultation appointment with one of our experienced bariatric surgeons. Your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your goals and answer any questions you have about weight loss surgery. If you and your doctor decide that gastric band surgery is right for you, you’ll receive detailed pre-surgical instructions with one of our patient care coordinators.

The Lap Band Procedure

Gastric band surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make a series of very small incisions in order to place the gastric band laparoscopically. At NWWC, bariatric procedures are performed at Sound Surgeons, which is our fully accredited specialized surgical center.

Recovery After Surgery

Patients typically resume day-to-day activities one to two weeks after surgery, although you may be restricted from strenuous activity for up to six weeks. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, gastric band patients require ongoing follow-up appointments for band maintenance.

Alternatives to Gastric Band Surgery

Advances in medical science and research allow us to continually update our best practices. In the case of gastric banding surgery, while it was once very popular, most bariatric surgeons are now phasing out their use of this procedure. When it was first introduced, many surgeons and patients embraced it as a less invasive alternative to procedures such as gastric bypass. However, recent studies have shown that the high rate of complications associated with gastric band surgery combined with a lower than expected rate of weight loss make it a less effective tool than other types of bariatric surgery—specifically, studies report that x Trusted Source High failure rate of the laparoscopic-adjustable gastric band as a primary bariatric procedure Kindel T, Martin E, Hungness E, Nagle A Go to Source approximately 44% of gastric band patients do not reach their goal weight or they need to have the band removed due to complications.

Fortunately there are several tried-and-true bariatric procedures with proven track records of success that are suitable alternatives to gastric band surgery. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, commonly known as gastric sleeve, is currently the x Trusted Source Which Bariatric Procedure Is the Most Popular in the World? Ozsoy Z, Demir E Go to Source most popular bariatric surgery and it offers many benefits. For patients with higher levels of obesity or obesity-related medical conditions, gastric bypass or duodenal switch may offer the most health benefits. Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch all have one very important feature that gastric banding lacks—they each initiate metabolic changes and reduce the body’s production of ghrelin which is a hormone that causes cravings. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for weight loss, which is why our surgeons take time during your consultation appointment to determine which option is best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Band

What kind of complications do people experience with gastric band surgery?

x Trusted Source Gastric Band Surgery Cleveland Clinic Go to Source Complications or side effects that can occur after gastric band surgery include:

• Band malfunctions, such as band slippage, leakage, or infection
• Band intolerance, in which the body has a negative reaction to a foreign object in the body
• Stomach blockages, in which food gets stuck in the outlet between the stomach pouch above the band and the lower stomach
• Port complications, in which the access port under the skin malfunctions or becomes infected
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Acid reflux
• Esophageal dilation
• Failure to lose weight

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

There are a number of factors that determine if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, including your weight, body mass index (BMI), and medical history. Our highly experienced bariatric team will review your individual information and review all options with you in order to create a treatment plan that is custom-tailored to meet your needs.

Are there revision procedures available for gastric band patients?

Yes, many patients who had gastric band surgery and experienced complications or failed to lose weight will opt for a revision procedure. At NWWC, our surgeons can remove your gastric band and perform another surgery, such as gastric sleeve, to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Contact Northwest Weight & Wellness Center

If you have any questions about gastric band surgery, gastric band maintenance, or weight loss options, we are here to help! Check out our free seminars or contact us to schedule a personal consultation appointment.