| Home > Obesity & Its Solution > Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) |
|  Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, also known as Lap Band surgery, is a reversible procedure for weight loss. This laparoscopic procedure involves the placement of a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. That results in the creation of an hour glass stomach, with a small outlet that allows food to enter into the lower part of the stomach. The band proves to be effective in weight loss as it restricts food intake; moreover, food stays in the stomach for a longer period thus leading to early satiety, thereby leading to decreased consumption.
Lap Band surgery is a procedure especially beneficial for large eaters, or those who have tried to lose weight several times but haven't been able to. Generally Lap Band surgery is recommended for younger patients, as it is reversible. With this procedure one can lose about 40-50% of their excess weight within 18 months.
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Is the procedure reversible?
Yes. This procedure is reversible. The band can be removed surgically at a later date.
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Will I feel the band? Will it hurt?
No. The band cannot be felt and does not hurt.
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Are there side-effects or complications with the LAGB?
A few patients do mention a feeling of cramping, nausea and vomiting in the first 2-3 days, after this there are no complications. In very rare instances the band may slip or erode into the stomach; in such cases, the band will have to be removed.
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Who is an ideal patient for a band?
A young person who is motivated to exercise and will comply with the dietary advice is the best candidate for a band.
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Do I need to take nutritional supplements after a LAGB?
You will need to take supplements initially. There is no need to take supplements for all your life after a LAGB.
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Will I have to be admitted to a hospital?
The band is a day care procedure and you can get back home on the same evening. You may resume routine activities within 2 days.
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What about tightening and loosening the band?
The band will need to be tightened or loosened depending upon the weight loss. The first tightening is usually done after 6 weeks of surgery.
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Will I have to be admitted to a hospital for tightening or loosening the band?
No. Adjusting the band is a fairly simple process with the help of an injection; it may be adjusted at a doctor's clinic.
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If I am not from India how do tighten/loosen the band?
For the convenience of our overseas patients we have developed a network of clinics that can perform the tightening and loosening procedures for our patients. The network includes all major bariatric centers in the world. We will try to put you in touch with one of the centers closest to your residence.
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How do I know the right time to tighten the band?
The first tightening is usually at 6 weeks. After that, the adjustment is titrated based upon your weight loss. The band is usually tightened when weight loss plateaus.
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Are there any dietary restrictions after a band?
You should avoid foods like bread, pasta, rice etc. or any foods with high starch content. We also advise that you should avoid high calorie liquids like cola drinks and alcohol etc. These are empty calories which will hamper weight loss.
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Do I need to exercise after a band?
Yes you do. It will help you lose weight faster.
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Will I resume eating heavily after removal of the LAGB?
Yes you will most probably go back to your previous ways of eating once the band is removed. In all probability you will regain all the weight that you have lost.
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Will the LAGB resolve all my co-morbidities?
It does lead to resolution of co-morbidities like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc. However it takes longer than the other procedures such as LSG or LAGB.
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Should I discontinue oral contraception before surgery?
No, instead you must be more cautious as the chances of conceiving improve considerably after bariatric surgery.
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Can I conceive after the surgery?
Yes you can. However we recommend that you conceive after 12-18 months post-surgery. The period of weight loss is not good for the baby's nutritional status. Our gynaecologists will guide you through the pregnancy.
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