| Developed to aid in long-term weight loss, the Adjustable Gastric Band System has been used by leading laparoscopic surgeons worldwide to overcome severe obesity. Sustained weight loss with the Gastric Band is achieved by reducing the capacity of the stomach |
| The Adjustable Gastric Band System |
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The band is a simple silicone ring with an inflatable balloon fitted on the inside. The balloon is connected to an injection port by a long, thin, kink resistant silicone tubing. Like a wrist- watch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach, about 15mm below the gastro-esophageal junction. This divides the stomach into a small upper pouch (15ml) and the remainder lower stomach. The injection port is implanted under the skin and is accessible to an injection needle. On injecting fluid into the access port, the balloon inflates and the exit opening of the upper pouch (by which the pouch will empty) becomes narrow. The band will therefore limit and control the amount of food you eat and slow the emptying process from the stomach pouch. By injecting or withdrawing fluid the opening can be adjusted. These adjustments can be performed during simple outpatient visits guided by the speed of weight loss, amount of food tolerated, exercise regimen etc. Thus the band can be fine tuned to the requirements of each patient at a given time. Fullness and satisfaction is experienced with just a small amount of food. The reduced food intake results in dramatic weight loss. |
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| The surgery is done laparoscopically (also known as keyhole surgery). |
| A large incision is not required. The stomach area is accessed via four to six very small incisions (0.5 to1cm) that are then closed with self- dissolving sutures. The recovery time is rapid. Hospitalization is required only for one night. Many people are able to resume their regular activities a week after their surgery. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and can last between 30 minutes to over an hour. Since no cutting, stapling or rerouting is required, the operation is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. |
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