Gastric Band Surgery
Definition:
- This surgery is commonly performed as a treatment for obesity. In this, an adjustable silicon band is placed around the upper part of the patient’s stomach, via a laparascope. This reduces the stomach’s volume which limits the food amount which can be consumed at one sitting. It also makes the patient feel full quickly.
- The two FDA approved bands are
- Lap-Band
- Realize Band
Why it is needed:
- This bariatric surgery gastric band is meant for obese patients who are unable to lose their weight through exercise and diet. The ideal candidate for this surgery are:
- Those who have BMI (body mass index) equal to 40 or higher
- Those whose BMI is 35 but suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, heart disease and so on, and would benefit from weight loss
- Aged between 18 -55 years and willing to followed prescribed diet (and restrictions)
Facts and Figures:
- The non-adjustable band surgery was done by surgeons Peloso and Wilkinson by open surgery in 1978
- The adjustable band was developed by pioneers such as Dr. Lubomyr Kuzmak and other bio-engineers, scientists and surgeons
- In 1992, the surgeon Cadiere first inserted an adjustable band through a laparoscope
- Celebrities who have undergone the procedure for obesity are:
- Khaliah Ali, Muhammad Ali’s daughter
- Fern Britton
- Anne Diamond
- Brian Dennehy
- Golfer John Daly
Advantages and Disadvantages:
- Advantages:
- Large incision not required which reduces infection chance
- Band can be adjusted according to patient
- Reversible surgery
- Good tolerance rate
- Least hospital stay
- Disadvantages:
- Weight loss insufficient
- Vomiting after food
- Malnutrition may develop
Risks and Complications:
- Reaction to medication or anaesthesia
- Blood clots
- Pulmonary embolism
- Infection
- Abdominal organs’ injury
- Gastric band slippage
- Gastritis or stomach ulcer
- Bowel obstruction
Pre-operative and Post-operative Care:
- Pre-operative preparation:
- Physical examination
- Urinalysis and Blood test
- Ultrasound-abdomen, X ray- chest
- Get list of medicines to be taken pre and post surgery
- Inform surgeon about alcohol or smoking habits
- Nutritional counselling
- Arrange work leave, help at home and driving, and post operative care
- Fasting after midnight before surgery
- Medical tourists should select hotel near hospital
Post-operative care:
- Constipation after surgery which subsides after some days
- Patients must walk slowly after they reach home
- Do’s, Don’ts and Precautions:
- Take surgeon prescribed medicines
- Keep incision site dry and clean
- Avoid being pregnant for minimum 18 months post surgery
- Avoid using straws
- Avoid drinking carbonated beverages
- Maintain food intake diary and record weight loss post surgery
- Do strictly follow the diet regime prescribed
- No driving until permitted by doctor
