About
Adjustable gastric banding surgery is the least invasive form of weight loss surgery offered at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. It is also the least likely to cause nutritional deficiencies. Patients who choose to have adjustable gastric band surgery will experience slower initial weight loss compared to gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.
How Does Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery Work?
Adjustable gastric banding is considered a minimally invasive surgery and is performed laparoscopically. This means that during the procedure, a surgeon will make small incisions in your abdomen, and then insert small instruments and a camera to perform surgery.
Once inside the abdomen, the surgeon will place an inflatable silicone band, SRHS uses the Lap-Band®, around the upper part of your stomach. This limits the amount of food your stomach can hold and helps you feel full more quickly during meals.
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is a preferred Lap-Band® provider.
Advantages of Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery
The advantages of adjustable gastric banding surgery include:
- The silicone band is adjustable
- Lower operative risk than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy
- Minimal risk of nutritional deficiencies
- No stapling, cutting or intestinal rerouting
- Reversible if necessary for medical reasons
Disadvantages of Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery
Potential disadvantages of adjustable gastric banding surgery are:
- Slower initial weight loss
- Requires an implantable device
- Band can slip or erode
- Access port can leak and require surgery or replacement of the band
Improvements in Health
Many obesity-related health problems improve or even disappear after adjustable gastric banding surgery. The most common are:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Diabetes
Recovery After Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery
After adjustable gastric banding surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital overnight and return to normal activities within one to two weeks.
Weight Loss Results After Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery
On average, patients lose 50 to 60 percent of their excess weight within one to two years after adjustable gastric banding surgery.
Will Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery Work for Me?
Our most successful patients are those who follow the weight loss surgery program, keep their post-operative appointments and attend our monthly support group meetings.
Regular follow-up care is crucial to weight loss success after surgery. After recovery, you will need to exercise regularly and modify your diet. Your care team will discuss with you what you need to do to stay healthy.