Gastric Band (Lap Band)

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A Laparoscopic gastric band (lapband)involves the placement of a band that creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach. This pouch fills with food quickly and the passage of food from the top to the bottom of the stomach is slowed. As the upper part of the stomach believes it is ‘full’, the message to the brain is that the stomach is full and this sensation helps the person to eat smaller portions and lose weight over time.

One of the benefits of this procedure is the ability to inflate/adjust it via a small access port placed just under the skin. When fluid is introduced the band expands placing pressure around the outside of the stomach. This decreases the size of the passage in the stomach and restricts the movement of food and varying degrees. This means that it can be tailored to your requirements depending at what point in the weight loss programme you have reached.

The surgical laparoscopic weight management gastric band is ideal for patients who have BMI of over 35 or who are 100Kg above ideal weight. Normally you will have been obese for over 5 years and other diets have just let you down. The Lap-band is the most common form of obesity surgery performed in Europe and HRA approved in the UK.

This procedure is carried out under a general anaesthetic and is an adjustable method of weight loss which is the least invasive surgical approach. People requiring this operation undergo close monitoring after their operation by our highly successful dedicated team of surgeons, nurses, dieticians, and counsellors, who are all available for contact after your operation.

For optimal results it is imperative that you get an individually tailored support programme after your operation which is all part of the Body Plan programme with Transform.

Who is suitable.

5. Profile, person from 18yrs

6. BMI up to 55

7. Continuous weight issues for 2 yrs

8. Has the determination to loose the weight and change life style

9. At risk health conditions

Q How long will it take to recover after surgery?

A Patients spend 24 hrs in hospital; most patients take off around one week, and about 4-6 weeks to resume exercise.

Q How much weight can I expect to lose

A Obesity surgery is the first step, support and patient compliance is essential to a successful outcome. Initially the weight loss can be around 5 kilos a week, gradual weight loss is encouraged as losing weight too quickly can be a health risk.

Q Will I feel hungry with the gatric band

A Having the lap band restricts your intake of food, so you eat less, and secondly the food takes much longer to digest. This is a change in lifestyle, if you follow the guidelines and chew your food slowly, you should not feel deprived.

Q What can I eat

A Due to the restriction from your band, it is important to include foods full of essential vitamins and be nutritionally balanced. Most foods can be eaten that do not cause you discomfort, it is important to write and log all food intake, so that the dietician can tailor a diet suitable for your needs.

Q What support can I expect

A. After care is the most important aspect of this procedure, you can expect 24 hr help, dietary support, exercise and counselling programmes, and patient support groups, you are not on your own

Q What happens if I become pregnant

A This is not a problem, the band can be loosend, and when you have the baby, and when you are ready the band can be tightened, so that you can resume your weight loss.