Laparoscopic Adjustable Band Surgery
The LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® Systems are used by Dr. Dale Sloan for adjustable gastric banding. Many patients choose this option because it does not involve surgically reconfiguring the digestive tract. Laparoscopic Adjustable Band surgery is less invasive than a Gastric Bypass procedure. Initial weight loss after a Laparoscopic Adjustable Band procedure is slower than after Gastric Bypass surgery, but in the long term the two procedures are similarly effective. Contact Key Bariatric Specialists for more information on Laparoscopic Adjustable Band surgery. Serving Auburn, Huntington, Fort Wayne, and all of Indiana, our center can help patients determine the treatment option that is best for them.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Band Procedure
The Laparoscopic Adjustable Band surgery is performed with the aid of a camera inserted through a small "keyhole" incision. Dr. Sloan inserts the inflatable adjustable gastric band through another small incision and places it around the top portion of the stomach.
A port placed just below the surface of the skin allows the band to be inflated with saline solution once the patient recovers from surgery. As the band is inflated, it constricts the stomach to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. When this pouch fills, the brain thinks the stomach is full. The body is forced to compensate for decreased caloric intake by burning fat, and over time significant weight loss is achieved.
One of the biggest advantages of Laparoscopic Adjustable Band surgery is that the procedure is simpler and less invasive than gastric bypass surgery. This means the risks are lower and recovery time is shorter. Adjustments can be made if needed without additional surgery, and most importantly, the procedure can be reversed if necessary without adversely affecting the digestive system. During your Laparoscopic Adjustable Band surgery consultation at our Fort Wayne center, which serves Auburn, Huntington, and surrounding Indiana areas, Dr. Sloan can discuss these and other aspects of treatment in more detail.
Possible Complications from Laparoscopic Adjustable Band surgery
Smaller stomach capacity requires the Laparoscopic Adjustable Band surgery patient to adjust his or her eating habits. If a patient eats too quickly or chooses inappropriate foods, he or she might experience a phenomenon called "productive burping" in which undigested food is regurgitated. Also, insufficiently chewed food might block the constricted opening of the stomach. Other possible complications include ulcers and gastritis.
In some rare cases, patients may experience two other significant complications. The first is known as "erosion". This happens when the band wears an opening into the stomach and begins to move inside. This problem would require removal of he band. The second is called "slippage," and takes place when the portion of the stomach below the band slips under it, causing an obstruction. This problem can be resolved with repositioning of the band or removal.
It is important to remember that these complications are uncommon. Laparoscopic Adjustable Band surgery performed by Key Bariatric Surgery in Fort Wayne, Indiana is safe and effective, and as our patients' testimonials show, the results can be amazing.