How Lap-Band Surgery Is Performed
Identification
Lap-band surgery provides a reversible way to lose large amounts of weight when diet and exercise have failed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 million Americans are considered obese and are at increased risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, gall bladder disease, sleep apnea, arthritis and several forms of cancer. After lap-band surgery, many patients lose a significant amount of weight, reducing their risk of developing any of these conditions. The minimum age for a lap-band candidate is 18 years. Men must be at least 100 pounds over their ideal weight, and women at least 80 pounds.
The Procedure
The surgery is performed laparoscopically through tiny incisions in your abdomen. A lighted laparoscope with a tiny camera attached is inserted through one of the openings. The images from the camera are transmitted to a video monitor, allowing your doctor to watch his progress on the monitor.
The lap-band is passed through another incision and placed around the stomach using surgical instruments. Once the lap-band is in place, it is inflated, restricting the size of your stomach. Depending on your surgeon, the band will be put in place either uninflated or partially inflated and will be completely inflated about six weeks after surgery. You will receive general anesthesia for the procedure and can expect the surgery to be completed in about an hour.
Recovery
Because gastric banding is a minimally invasive procedure, you won't have the long recovery time necessary with open types of surgery and you will experience less pain. The smaller size of your stomach means that you won't be able to eat as much as you did before and you won't feel hungry soon after eating because the band slows the release of food to your digestive system.
You will need time to heal and adjust to your new stomach pouch after surgery and will be restricted to consuming clear liquids for the first few weeks following surgery. You will progress to eating pureed foods, followed by soft foods and finally solid foods about six weeks following surgery. Maintaining a significant weight loss will require you to eat nutritionally sound food and follow an exercise program.
Six weeks after your surgery, your doctor will complete the inflation of your band by injecting saline solution into the band through a port under your skin. You can expect several adjustments through the first year.
Potential Problems
Should you experience problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea or insufficient weight loss, your doctor may need to adjust the inflation of the band. This is done by injecting additional saline solution into the port or by removing saline solution through the port. Common problems after surgery include gas, reflux or constipation. In some cases, the band may slip over time, requiring surgery to reposition it. Blockages or stomach erosions can occur, necessitating the removal of the band.
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