Adjustable Gastric Banding in Louisiana
Adjustable gastric banding provides a safe and effective way to lose weight gradually—without cutting or stapling your
stomach. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been performed worldwide for more than 15 years, with a continuous
evolution of surgical technique and the device itself. This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, and most
patients can go home on the same day or the day after their surgery. The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana offer two types
of gastric bands: the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System and REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band.
Adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive procedure. A silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach and
molds the stomach into two connected chambers. An injection port is attached to the abdominal wall, under the skin. The
port is connected to the band with soft, thin tubing. The band is adjusted by your healthcare professional using a needle
to inject saline solution into your band through the port. Adding saline increases the amount of band restriction, helping
the patient feel fuller sooner with less food. This operation is usually an outpatient procedure and patients are typically
back to work within several days.
Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND AP® System, REALIZE™ Band) Surgery Results
Adjustable gastric banding is an excellent tool to help patients lose weight and keep it off long-term. Most patients lose 45 to
55% of their excess body weight. To achieve maximum success, patients should follow the specific diet and exercise guidelines that
are recommended by your surgeon. Gastric banding requires that the patient continues to follow-up with their surgeon to access
adjustment needs based on the patient’s hunger and desired long-term weight loss.
There are additional health and quality of life benefits to having adjustable gastric banding surgery:
- The band supports pregnancy by allowing for increased nutritional needs.
- While it is intended to be a long-term treatment, the band can be removed at any time, in some cases laparoscopically.
- Studies found that gastric banding resolved type 2 diabetes in 47.8 percent of patients, resolved high blood pressure in
38.4% of patients, and improved high cholesterol in 78.3% of patients.*
- It also improves the overall quality of life, physical functioning, and social and economic opportunities.
*Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA 2004;292(14):1724-37.
Potential Adjustable Gastric Banding Patient Concerns
- Gastric banding can help you feel satisfied sooner and with less food, but it won’t eliminate the desire to eat. You will need
to follow your specific diet and exercise guidelines provided by your surgeon to achieve success.
- Gastric banding requires more intensive follow-up care than most other bariatric
surgeries. This is mostly because the band is adjustable. Keep in mind that even after reaching and maintaining your success
weight, you may still need to see your healthcare professional for further adjustments.