Adjustable Gastric Banding
What is adjustable gastric banding?
Adjustable gastric banding is considered the safest weight loss surgery available as there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach. The band is adjusted regularly by your surgeon to achieve desired results and is reversible, if necessary.
The surgery
Using laparoscopy, a silicone band filled with saline solution is fitted around the upper stomach. As a result, the stomach size is reduced to a small gastric pouch – this restricts food intake, and as such the patient will feel full after eating very little. The band can be inflated or deflated (again, if necessary) using a needle to inject or withdraw the saline solution through a porthole. A small reservoir of saline is placed in the abdominal wall, which can be felt under the skin.
Risks of adjustable gastric banding
- Pouch enlargement; swelling of the oesophagus or gastric pouch
- Band slippage, which can increase stomach volume above the band and cause stomach obstructions
- Band erosion, which is chafing of the band against the stomach that can damage or perforate the stomach wall (emergency surgery is necessary)
- Infection of tissues around the portsite or the band
- Port breakage; leakage of saline from the band, catheter or port.
Benefits of adjustable gastric banding
- 47% excess weight loss on average (wide range in individual results)
- Long term results better known than sleeve/ bypass
- Single night stay in hospital/ faster return to work
- 4-5 adjustments usually required initially then followup 6-12 monthly for life (bulk-billed)