Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band in Ahmedabad is a reversible surgical treatment for weight loss that involves applying an adjustable silicone gastric band to the stomach's outer surface. This separates the stomach into a smaller upper pouch and a bigger lower pouch. The band is attached to a tube that leads to a port located beneath the skin in the belly. Adjustable gastric banding operates on the basis of dietary restriction, resulting in a weight loss of approximately 45 to 50%. This procedure also significantly improves associated co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gout, obstructive sleep apnea, and joint problems.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band in Ahmedabad was a prevalent operation in India until roughly a decade ago. Due to unsatisfactory results, lap band surgery has fallen out of favor with both doctors and patients over the years. Consulting the best adjustable gastric banding surgeon in Ahmedabad is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome.

Eligibility for Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

For Asian patients with a BMI ≥ 35 Kg/m² and no concomitant disorders, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a viable option for treating obesity.
For Asian patients with a BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m², laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery is a viable option for treating type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome if lifestyle changes and medication treatment are insufficient.
For Asian patients with a BMI ≥ 27.5 Kg/m², adjustable gastric banding surgery can be a non-primary option for treating poorly controlled type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Preparing for surgery

The first step is a consultation with the doctor and team to determine eligibility for adjustable gastric banding surgery. At this point, a detailed medical history, diet recall, and a comprehensive physical and psychological evaluation will be conducted.
Once we have decided to proceed with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery, you will be required to complete a battery of tests. Depending on your clinical profile and co-morbidities, you may also need to consult a diabetologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist, or chest physician.
You will also need to follow a high-protein liquid diet for 5 to 7 days before the treatment. This pre-operative liquid diet shrinks the liver, making surgery easier and safer for the patient.

On the Day of Surgery

Once all tests have been completed and you are medically fit to undergo adjustable gastric banding surgery, you must be admitted to the hospital the evening before your scheduled procedure.
You will fast for 6 to 8 hours before the surgery.
Lap band surgery takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to complete and is performed under general anesthesia.
You will be given drinks within 6 to 8 hours of surgery and urged to walk around on the same day.
If all goes well, you will be discharged the next day.

What to expect after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a day-care operation, and patients may be discharged the morning following surgery, depending on their clinical status.
At the time of adjustable gastric banding surgery, the band is not filled and is left as is.
All drugs, including venous thrombo-embolism prevention, will be explained to you prior to discharge.
Following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery, you will be on a liquid diet for around 15 days, followed by a soft and mashed diet for another 15 days. You will be allowed to eat normal home-cooked food after one month of surgery, but the quantity will be limited.
The first band adjustment is normally performed after 6 weeks. After that, the band adjustment is titrated based on weight loss.

Expected weight loss after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Adjustable gastric banding surgery can help patients shed 40 to 50% of their excess weight. Weight loss is influenced by factors such as the patient's baseline weight, age, gender, associated co-morbidities, and adherence to behavioral changes.
Regular band adjustments are critical for weight loss following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Downsides of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Adjustable gastric banding has lost popularity among both surgeons and patients due to less-than-ideal weight loss results, particularly in Indian patients, possibly due to the high-carb diet.
The band may slip or degrade in the future, and complications such as dilation of the food channel may arise.