Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band surgery

Gastric Band Surgery, otherwise known as Lap Band surgery, is one of the most commonly performed of all weight loss surgery procedures. Using the Adjustable Gastric Band to restrict the amount of food intake, patients typically lose a great deal of weight very quickly.

Because Gastric Banding surgery uses an adjustable band, rather than a permanent surgical rearrangement of the stomach and intestines, it is a considerably less risky operation, compared to Gastric Bypass surgery. Additionally, Gastric Band surgery is almost always performed Laparoscopically, which also reduces the risks, and involves a shorter stay in the weight loss clinic. Unlike most weight loss surgery procedures, the Gastric Band procedure can be reversible. Gastric Balloon surgery is similar in this respect.

The weight loss associated with the Gastric Lap Band is not as fast as with other surgical procedures, but studies do tend to show that after a time, the loss of weight tends to even out between the different methods.

Like all weight loss surgery, the cost of getting Gastric Band surgery is generally very high, and many people, particularly from the US choose to travel abroad for their Bariatric Bypass surgery, as it can be much cheaper, due to infrastructure costs.

For example, in Europe, Gastric Band Surgery costs between 20% and 50% less if you get your surgery abroad in the Czech Republic, Belgium or Romania. In South America, the best prices are often found in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Argentina. Thailand, India, South Africa and Turkey are also all known to have excellent Bariatric surgeons, who can also provide overseas Gastric Band surgery at a much lower price.

Find the Best Prices for Gastric Lap Band Surgery at the Top Weight Loss Clinics at Home and Abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Adjustable Gastric Band Operation

Who will Benefit From Gastric Band Surgery?

How does the Gastric Band Procedure Work?

What are the Risks Involved With Gastric Banding?

What Else Should I Know About the Gastric Band Operation?

What Results Can I Expect From Gastric Band Surgery?

What Does Gastric Band Surgery Cost?

Who will Benefit From Gastric Band Surgery?

The Gastric Band Procedure is one of the weight loss procedures most often suggested by Bariatric surgeons when the BMI is above 40, or when other medical conditions brought on by excessive weight are a risk to your health. If you have tried using a diet and exercise program for weight loss, without success, and you are moderately to seriously obese, then Gastric Band surgery may be a solution for you. Gastric Banding should, however, only be undertaken after consultation with a medical specialist.

How Does the Gastric Band Procedure Work?

Although once the Gastric Band was non-adjustable, an adjustable band is now far the more common method. An inflatable silicone band is placed around the top portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The idea is that the pouch created by the gastric band restricts the amount of food intake that is possible, while the band slows down the progress of the food down to the lower part of the stomach. By this method, weight is lost quickly, while the fact that the patient feels full from less food trains the gastric banding patient to eat smaller portions of food.

An adjustable Gastric Band can be inflated or deflated according to the situation. When the Gastric Band need to be inflated, a saline solution is injected into it, causing a greater restriction.

What are the Risks Involved With Gastric Banding?

As with all surgery, infection is one risk of the gastric banding operation. Because the Gastric Band procedure is a Laparoscopic one, meaning that it is a performed via key-hole surgery, risks and complications are far lower than with malabsorbtive weight loss surgeries such as the Gastric Bypass.

However this does not mean that the decision to get Gastric Lap Band surgery is not a very serious step. Slippage or erosion of the gastric band, along with gastritis and internal bleeding are possible complications.

Of cause, the risk is greatly if the surgeon is a Gastric Band specialist, at a reputable weight loss clinic.

What Else Should I know About the Gastric Band Operation?

Occasional adjustments of the gastric band will be necessary. Also, many gastric band patients have felt that belonging to a support group has helped them after their weight loss surgery.

What Results Can I expect From Gastric Band Surgery?

A relatively quick recovery after surgery is typical, and a loss of 50% of excess weight can usually be achieved. This is dependant on the patient wanting their weight loss surgery to work, as some patients do find ways to cheat, and continue eating their normal intake of food. The right attitude is essential.

What Does Gastric Band Surgery Cost?

All weight loss surgery is quite pricy, and Gastric Banding is no exception. Savings can be made, however, by those willing to go abroad for their Gastric Band operation. Popular with UK residents, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Romania are all countries that can offer some substantially lower prices. Going to South America could save you 20% to 50% of the cost of Bariatric surgery, with Gastric Band surgery in Costa Rica, Panama, Argentina or Mexico costing much less money. India, Malaysia, Thailand and Turkey are also a good bet for getting a bargain. The important thing is to do a little research, and use a reputable clinic, as the most important thing is your health!

Compare Prices for Gastric Lap Band Surgery at the Best Clinics at Home and Abroad.