Lap -Band Surgical Procedure

The Lap-Band® system is designed to help you lose excess body weight for resolution of obesity-related health conditions and enhancement of life. In partnership with leading bariatric surgeons around the world, a new surgical approach has been developed that eliminates many of the known associated operative risks and provides unique benefits compared to other obesity surgeries. This effort has resulted in the Lap-Band® system, the only adjustable and reversible obesity surgery that does not require cutting and stapling of the stomach or gastrointestinal re-routing to bypass normal digestion.

Candidates for LAP-BAND
Lap-Band System surgery is recommended for those persons who are 40 kg or more overweight and have or are likely to have medical complications that will be helped, and in many instances, cured by substantial weight loss. While weight loss surgery is not for everyone, there are a large number of patients for whom losing a lot of weight is imperative, including those suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart trouble, shortness of breath, arthritis and orthopaedic (bone) problems with their legs, hips or back.

The Surgery
You will be admitted to hospital either the night before, or the morning of your surgery. Most patients stay in hospital 1-2 nights following their surgery. You will have a general anaesthetic, and the operation will take approximately 1 hour. The surgery is done laparoscopically, (keyhole). Through a serious of small incisions across your upper abdomen the surgeon will use laparoscopic instruments guided by a small camera attached to a telescope. The surgeon will be able to visualize the inside of your abdomen on a TV screen. The surgeon will then be able to secure the band round the upper part of your stomach. The port used to inflate and deflate the gastric band is placed under the skin of the abdomen so that the surgeon is then able to make adjustments easily in the clinic.

What happens if the surgery cannot be performed Laparoscopically?
In a small number of patients, the laparoscopic method cannot be performed. Factors that may increase the possibility of choosing or converting to the "open" procedure may include a history of prior abdominal surgery causing dense scar tissue, inability to visualize organs or bleeding problems during the operation.

The decision to perform the open procedure is a judgement decision made by your surgeon either before or during the actual operation. When the surgeon feels that it is safest to convert the laparoscopic procedure to an open one, this is not a complication, but rather a sound surgical judgement. The decision to convert to an open procedure is strictly based on patient safety.

What to expect after Gastric Banding
You will usually be in the hospital 1 to 3 days after a laparoscopic procedure. You may have a tube through your nose into your stomach (inserted while asleep) and not be permitted to eat or drink anything until it is removed. You should be out of bed, sitting in a chair the night of surgery and walking by the following day. You will need to participate in breathing exercises. You will receive pain medication when you need it.

On the first of second day after surgery you may have an X-ray of your stomach. The X-ray is a way for the surgeon to know if the stapling of the stomach is okay before beginning to allow you to eat. If no leakage or blockage is seen (the usual case) then you will be permitted to have one ounce of liquids every hour. The volume of liquid you drink will be gradually increased. Some surgeons allow you to eat baby food or a “puree” type of food. You will remain on a liquid or puree diet until your doctor evaluates you approximately 1-2 weeks after you return home.

Patients are encouraged to walk and engage in light activity. It is important to continue the breathing exercises while at home after surgery. Pain after laparoscopic surgery is generally mild although some patients may require pain medication. At the first follow-up visit the surgeon will discuss with you any dietary changes.

After the operation, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Although many people feel better in just a few days, remember that your body needs time to heal. You will probably be able to get back to most of your normal activities in one to two weeks time. These activities include showering, driving, walking up stairs, and work and light exercise.

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