What is Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding?

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What is Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding?

A Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band is an adjustable, inflatable, silicone device placed around the upper portion of the stomach during laparoscopic surgery.  Place of the band creates a small pouch about the size of a golf ball, called a stoma, which limits the amount of food you are able to consume.   This results in increased satisfaction from smaller portions and an overall feeling of decreased hunger.

Tightening or loosening the band decreases or increases the size of the opening to the lower stomach.  Band adjustments are done via an access port, placed under the skin during surgery, which is connected to the band by a long thin tube.  Fluid can be added or removed from the band by inserting a special needle into the access port through the skin.  This procedure takes seconds and is performed in our office during a follow-up visit.  Patients are often anxious about their first band adjustment, however it is a simple procedure that is less painful than having your blood drawn.

What is the Recovery Time?

Recovery is usually very short.  The hospital stay for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is often less than 24 hours, though some patients stay overnight.  Many patients who have sedentary jobs often return to work within 1-3 weeks. Patients with jobs that require more physical effort may be out of work for 3-6 weeks.