Laparoscopic gastric Banding

LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTIBLE GASTRIC BANDING

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, commonly referred to as a lap band, is an inflatable silicone device placed around the top portion of the stomach to achieve weight loss

In February 2011 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded approval of Adjustable gastric band to patients with a BMI between 30 to 40 and one weight-related medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure. However, an adjustable gastric band may only be used after other methods such as diet and exercise have previously been tried.

How gastric banding works

The inflatable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time and increases the time taken for the stomach to empty. The patient achieves sustained weight loss by limiting food intake, reducing appetite, and slowing digestion.

Because no part of the stomach is stapled or removed, and the patient’s intestines are not re-routed, he or she can continue to absorb nutrients from food normally. Gastric bands are made entirely of biocompatible materials, so they are able to stay in the patient’s body without causing harm. The procedure is reversible. However, lately, the popularity of this procedure has come down due to high post-operative complications. But, this procedure may find place in a few situations where the weight loss aim is not very high and the patients are willing and are eligible.