Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB)
LAGB is a surgical procedure that involves placing an adjustable band (ring) around the upper part of the stomach using a laparoscope. The band is made of silicone and the diameter of the band can be adjusted. The band can be narrowed by inserting a needle through the skin and into the access port of the gastric band, in which saline solution is added to increase the level of pressure created by the gastric band on the stomach. This leads to a decrease in the amount of food intake of the patient and to a feeling of fullness quickly. The band can be narrowed at any time after the operation and can be done many times by the doctor.
What are the steps for Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric?
The band can be deflated by withdrawing the solution by a needle placed in the access port under the skin, thus reducing the pressure of the band on the stomach and increasing the amount of food that can be consumed. The band is deflated when the person reaches the ideal weight. The gastric band restricts the size of the stomach and reduces the amount of food that the stomach can hold. It also slows down the passing of food in the intestine. By doing this, the stomach sends signals to the brain that it is full, and this leads to the patient feeling full whilst consuming less food.
The adjustable gastric band surgery is performed under general anesthesia and laparoscopy through 3 incisions (openings) in the abdomen, in which the operation takes 30 minutes.
Who is the ideal patient for Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric?
The adjustable gastric band is suitable for people with first-degree obesity (with a BMI of more than 30 kg/m2, or 25 kg more than ideal body weight). However, it is not suitable for obese people (BMI over 40 kg/m2), and they should undergo obesity surgeries that have stronger weight loss results, such as sleeve gastrectomy.
The gastric band is not performed if the potential patient has difficulty understanding the procedure, is unable to follow up with the doctor after the operation, is emotionally unstable, or depends on drugs or alcohol. Patients with a history of digestive problems such as stomach ulcers should be reviewed carefully.
What are the advantages of the adjustable gastric band?
- Quick recovery and return to work and normal life after the operation.
- Reduced risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and the diseases caused by obesity.
- The operation does not reduce the absorption of food and thus there is no loss of nutrients, as in gastric bypass surgery.
- Improves the quality of life after the operation
What are the disadvantages of the adjustable gastric band?
Its weight loss results are weaker than gastric sleeve and bypass surgery.
You need follow-up and correction of eating habits after the operation