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Gastric Band > |
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Band Weight Loss Surgery
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What is a gastric band and how is gastric band weight loss surgery performed?
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The laparoscopic gastric band surgery involves placing a half inch medical grade "plastic-like" belt or collar around the top portion of the stomach. This creates a small pouch and a fixed outlet into the lower stomach; then the "tubing" of the band is connected to an "access port" which is about the size of a quarter and it is fixed into your abdominal wall, under the fat and skin for further access for fills or adjustments.
The adjustable band, which was approved by the FDA in June 2001, can be filled with sterile saline. When saline is added, the outlet into the stomach is made smaller which further restricts food from leaving the pouch.
There are two main companies that manufacture FDA approved bands in the U.S., the Lap-Band System made by Inamed (Allergan™) and the Realize Band made by Johnson & Johnson™.
Dr. Rosales is certified by both companies and these are the only bands he uses in his practice. Watch out when they offer you very low prices because you might be getting an unapproved band!
Benefits of gastric band weight loss surgery
- It is the least invasive bariatric procedure and therefore the one with the lowest morbidity rate.
- It is a totally reversible procedure.
- It adjusts to every patient's needs.
- It is a 25 to 40 minute procedure.
- The stomach is not stapled or cut.
- The sensation of fullness and satisfaction from eating are achieved with just small portions of food.
- The reduced intake of food results in dramatic weight loss!
- No need for uncomfortable preoperative intestinal or colon cleansing
Since it is performed laparoscopically:
- The operation requires 4 very small incisions.
- Minimal postoperative pain.
- Very fast recovery (one night hospital stay) which makes it possible to enjoy a quicker return to your normal activities.
- Decreased risk of wound infection and hernia formation.
- Minimal scarring
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INCISIONS |
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What preparation is required?
The following includes typical events that may occur prior to laparoscopic gastric banding. However, since each patient is unique, what will actually occur may be slightly different:
- Depending on your BMI, Dr. Rosales will let you know if a preoperative diet will be required in order to reduce the size of your liver and therefore reduce the risks of complications during surgery leading to a faster and smoother recovery.
- Blood work, chest x-ray and EKG will also be performed before surgery.
- Preoperative consultation from specialists such as cardiologist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, etc may be needed, depending on your own specific medical condition. We will let you know if you will need this evaluation before your surgery.
What should I expect after laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding?
- After surgery you might feel some pain in the shoulder and/or in the upper left area of your abdomen, which is perfectly manageable with medication.
- Activity is dependent on how you feel. A few hours after your surgery, you will be able to stand up on your own to walk around. Actually walking is encouraged because it will this help you recover faster!
- Liquids will be given to you in the evening of the day of your surgery.
- The morning after your procedure, you will be able to return back home - after Dr. Rosales makes sure you are in optimal condition to leave the hospital.
- You will probably be able to return to normal activities within a week. Return to work is usually possible seven days after your surgery, depending on the nature of your job.
- A few weeks later, you are ready to get your first fill and to change your life forever!
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