Name of the Procedure:

Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; placement of adjustable gastric restrictive device (e.g., gastric band and subcutaneous port components).

• Common Name: Lap-Band Surgery, Gastric Banding

Summary:

Laparoscopic gastric banding involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch, which restricts food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness with less food. The procedure is minimally invasive, utilizing small incisions and a camera to guide the placement of the band.

Purpose:

Laparoscopic gastric banding is primarily used for weight loss in individuals who are severely obese. The goals are:

• To reduce food intake by creating a small stomach pouch.
• To promote significant and sustained weight loss.
• To improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

Indications:

• Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.
• Patients who have not had success with other weight loss methods such as diet, exercise, or medication.
• Adults who understand the risks and benefits and are committed to long-term lifestyle changes.

Preparation:

• Patients should follow fasting instructions, typically not eating or drinking after midnight on the day of the surgery.
• Preoperative tests may include blood work, EKG, and imaging studies.
• Patients may need to adjust or discontinue certain medications as advised by their doctor.
• Attendance at a preoperative informational session on the procedure and post-operative lifestyle changes.

Procedure Description:

1. Under general anesthesia, several small incisions are made in the abdomen.
2. A laparoscope (a small, lighted camera) is inserted through one incision to provide a view of the surgical area.
3. Other instruments are inserted through additional incisions.
4. The adjustable gastric band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch.
5. The band is connected to an access port beneath the skin on the abdomen.
6. Post-procedure, the band can be adjusted by injecting or removing saline through the access port to modify the tightness and size of the stomach pouch.

Duration:

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting:

Laparoscopic gastric banding is performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel:

• Surgeon
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical assistants

Risks and Complications:

• Common risks: Infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Specific risks: Band slippage, erosion of the band into the stomach, port complications, and esophageal dilation.
• Management: Some complications may require additional surgery or band adjustments.

Benefits:

• Significant weight loss.
• Improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions.
• Minimally invasive with smaller scars and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
• Adjustability allows for personalized treatment.

Recovery:

• Patients can usually go home the same day or the next morning.
• Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed medications.
• Follow a liquid diet, advancing to pureed foods, and eventually regular, but smaller, meals as guided by a dietitian.
• Resume normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks, with follow-up appointments to adjust the band and monitor progress.

Alternatives:

• Other bariatric surgeries: Gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy
• Non-surgical options: Diet and exercise, weight loss medications, and lifestyle changes
• Each alternative has its own risks, benefits, and suitability depending on individual patient conditions.

Patient Experience:

• During the procedure: Patients will be under general anesthesia and will not feel pain.
• After the procedure: Expect some pain, discomfort, and fatigue which will gradually improve. Pain management includes prescribed medications and comfort measures.
• Emphasize the importance of adhering to dietary recommendations and attending follow-up appointments for band adjustments.