Advertise With Us

Gastric Banding (Lap Band)

What Is Gastric Banding Surgery?

Gastric banding surgery is a procedure in which a doctor reduces the size of a patient’s stomach using a small band.  In this way, the patient can only eat small meals, thus, losing weight.  When performed using laparoscopic technology, this procedure is known as lap band surgery.  Gastric banding surgery is one of the most common weight loss treatments.  And because it is reversible, many consider it one of the safest treatments as well.  

Gastric banding surgery requires an overnight hospital stay and is usually done under general anaesthesia.  The operation typically takes at least an hour.  When using laparoscopic technology, the surgeon makes approximately 5 small incisions, 1-2 cm in length on the abdomen and chest.  A thin tube carrying a camera is inserted through one of the incisions, and the band is fitted using tools inserted through the other incisions.  Thereafter, the incisions are closed with stitches.  The size of the partition can be adjusted by adding or removing fluid in the band.   

After gastric banding surgery, patients usually stick with a liquid diet for at least 24 hours.  Overtime, one can upgrade this to a pureed diet.  After being discharged from the hospital, patients might experience bruising, pain and swelling around the wounds.  Patients might also feel sick if they try to eat too much.       Â