A GREAT OPTION FOR OBESITY IS THE LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BAND (LAGB).

This is a keyhole procedure requiring a short hospital stay and the insertion of a silicon ring around the upper stomach. This holds up the passage of food and creates a small pouch above it restricting portion size. There is also a profound effect in reducing hunger which is not yet fully understood. Several weeks after insertion, the band is filled with saline by an inspection through the skin on the abdomen into a chamber which connects via a tube with the band. This places extra pressure on the stomach and starts the process of dietary restrictions and weight loss. Gastric bands usually require several adjustments in the first six months after surgery. Regular patient follow up is important to achieve better results.

GASTRIC BAND ADVANTAGES

  • Relatively simple and potentially reversible procedure.
  • Patients may lose 50-60% of their excess weight.
  • Good documented evidence of remission or improvement of medical conditions such as: Diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnoea.

GASTRIC BAND RISKS

  • Certain foods such as breads and fibrous meats can be difficult to digest and may cause obstructive symptoms (eg: discomfort, regurgitation).
  • There is a risk of the band slipping or the small gastric pouch dilating with time.
  • There is a small risk of gastric band erosion.