Adjustable gastric banding, commonly known as lap band surgery, is a type of bariatric surgery that helps individuals lose weight by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our Bariatric Surgery Department offers comprehensive care for patients considering adjustable gastric banding, providing personalized treatment plans and ongoing support for successful weight loss and improved health.

Procedure:

During adjustable gastric banding surgery, the surgeon places an inflatable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch with a narrow opening that limits the amount of food you can eat at one time. The band is connected to a port placed under the skin of the abdomen, allowing for adjustments to be made to the tightness of the band over time.

Symptoms:

After adjustable gastric banding surgery, patients may experience various symptoms as they adjust to their new stomach size and eating habits. These symptoms can include:

• Early satiety: Feeling full quickly after eating small amounts of food.
• Reduced appetite: Experiencing a decreased desire to eat between meals.
• Slow weight loss: Losing weight gradually over time as a result of reduced food intake and caloric restriction.
• Regurgitation: Occasionally bringing small amounts of food back up into the mouth due to overeating or eating too quickly.
• Adjustment discomfort: Feeling discomfort or pain around the port site during band adjustments or fills.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of complications or issues related to adjustable gastric banding surgery may involve clinical assessment of symptoms, imaging studies such as upper gastrointestinal series or endoscopy to evaluate the position and function of the band, and adjustment of the band tightness based on individual patient needs.

Treatment:

Treatment for symptoms or complications following adjustable gastric banding surgery depends on the specific issue and may include adjustments to the band tightness, dietary modifications, medications to manage symptoms such as reflux or regurgitation, or, in rare cases, band removal or revision surgery to address anatomical concerns.

Postoperative Care:

After adjustable gastric banding surgery, patients require close monitoring and ongoing follow-up with their healthcare team to ensure proper band adjustment, manage symptoms, and support long-term weight loss success. This includes adherence to dietary recommendations, regular physical activity, and attendance at scheduled appointments for band adjustments and monitoring.

 

How does adjustable gastric banding help with weight loss?

Adjustable gastric banding helps with weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to reduced food intake, caloric restriction, and gradual weight loss over time.

 

What is the adjustment process like for the gastric band?

The gastric band can be adjusted or tightened by injecting saline solution into the port placed under the skin of the abdomen. Adjustments are made based on individual patient needs and weight loss progress.

 

What dietary changes will I need to make after adjustable gastric banding surgery?

Patients will need to follow a specific dietary plan, including eating small, frequent meals, chewing food thoroughly, avoiding high-calorie, high-fat foods, and drinking plenty of fluids between meals.

 

Can the gastric band be removed if needed?

Yes, the gastric band can be removed surgically if necessary, although this is typically only done in cases of severe complications or inadequate weight loss.

 

How soon can I expect to see weight loss results after adjustable gastric banding surgery?

Weight loss results vary for each patient but typically begin within the first few months after surgery and continue gradually over the following months to years.

 

What are the potential risks and complications of adjustable gastric banding surgery?

Risks and complications of adjustable gastric banding surgery may include band slippage or migration, band erosion, port-related issues, reflux or regurgitation, or inadequate weight loss. Patients should discuss these risks with their surgeon before undergoing surgery.

 

Will I need to follow up regularly with my healthcare team after surgery?

Yes, regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team are essential to monitor band adjustments, address any concerns or issues that may arise, and support long-term weight loss success.