Gastric band surgery, also known as lap band surgery, is another effective surgical procedure to help you with weight loss.
The surgical procedure involves putting a band around the stomach, creating a small pouch towards the top. This surgical band is then connected to a small device placed under the skin (usually near the middle of the chest) to tighten the band after surgery.
The band will usually be tightened for the first time about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. It is done by injecting the device with the saline (salt water) solution using a needle passed through your skin. You do not usually need any anaesthetic for this. Thus, after gastric band surgery, you will be eating less and achieve satiety or fullness soon after having less food.
The entire surgery hardly takes an hour and is performed under general anaesthesia.
Additionally, gastric bands are removable, so the operation can be reversed if it doesn’t suit you.
Advantages of Gastric band surgery:
- It is one of the simplest and safest surgical procedures for weight loss.
- The amount of food you take is restricted as you are likely to feel fuller quicker
- No permanent changes are done during the procedure, and your intestines remain intact, so food is digested and absorbed as normal
- The gastric band is reversible if necessary.
References:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/weight-loss-surgery/types/
- https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-services/bristol-weight-management-bariatric-service-bwmbs/bristol-bariatric-3