Dr Evan Willingham​
Toowoomba Bariatric Surgery​
Downs Specialist Centre
146 Mackenzie Street
East Toowoomba Qld 4350
Phone: 07 4580 0828
Fax: 07 4580 0829
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There is no guarantee that the gastric band will work without fault indefinitely; however the gastric band has been in clinical use since 1987. It is important that a patient understands the possibility of re-operation is an integral part of the overall management of morbid obesity. Re-operations are considered a technical measure that is sometimes necessary.
​An infection may develop either in the port area or in the abdomen, and in some instances this may cause the band to migrate into the stomach. In such a case, re-operation is normally necessary. Most of the complications linked to migrations have occurred as a result of too much fluid being injected into the Lap Band. Infections can lead to erosion of the band. This means the band can erode into the stomach and will need to be removed.
Generally, laparoscopic gastric banding is recommended for those over 18 years of age, who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40+, or 35+ and are suffering from problems with their obesity, and have made serious efforts to lose weight. If you believe laparoscopic gastric banding is a good option for you, see your doctor.
Advantages:
​Disadvantages:
Optimal pouch capacity 30 mls. Usual weight loss with the Gastric Band is 40-50% of excess weight lost in 2 yrs.
Risks
All surgery has risks and obesity surgery is no different. It is not perfect.Operations have complications which can occur regardless of the operation type and there are also complications specific to a particular operation.
The gastric band is designed to induce weight loss by encouraging satiety (a sense of fullness), even without food and to restrict the amount of food that the stomach can hold before signalling it is full.​
The gastric band is made of silicone and a balloon lines the inside. An access port, connected to the band by tubing, is placed in the abdomen wall, which allows saline solution to be added or removed to change the size of the band.
​As the procedure is done laparoscopically, there is no major opening of the abdomen required, and no cutting or potentially permanent alteration to the stomach or intestines. It is also a reversible procedure.
Laparoscopic Gastric Banding