LAGB surgery for weight loss
In general, surgery for weight loss is an option reserved for seriously obese people (those with a body mass index greater than 40) or obese people who also have other serious health problems such as diabetes or heart disease. Surgery is considered only after dietary and medical treatments have failed.
What is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB)?
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a surgical treatment for obesity that is becoming increasingly popular in Australia.
LAGB is done via keyhole surgery. A silicone band with an inflatable inner balloon is placed around the upper part of the stomach, effectively reducing the capacity of the stomach.
How does LAGB work?
The band ensures a feeling of fullness after ingesting only a small amount of food. And because the band controls the passage of food to the rest of your digestive tract, the feeling will continue for several hours after a meal, thereby reducing the urge to eat between meals.
The tightness of the gastric band can be adjusted by means of injecting fluid into or out of it through an access device, located under the skin of the abdomen. This adjustment is a simple procedure and can be done on an outpatient basis.
LAGB does not affect the digestive processes of the body, so food is still absorbed normally. After LAGB, you can eat three balanced meals a day, although the portions will be smaller than they were before the operation. You should not drink liquids with meals. It is very important for people who have had LAGB to continue to follow dietary advice and an exercise programme.
Regular follow-up with your doctor and other health professionals is needed after the procedure, to ensure its effectiveness.
LAGB has been shown to be very effective for weight loss. Research shows it has been associated with a decrease of up to 60 per cent of excess weight after 2 years. (Weight is generally lost at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week.) This degree of weight loss has been proven to have positive effects on a number of medical conditions, particularly type 2 diabetes, arthritis and high blood pressure.
Complications of LAGB surgery
Improvements in surgical techniques have meant complications following LAGB are now uncommon. There is a slight risk of the band slipping down the stomach, and very occasionally eroding into the stomach. About 5 per cent of people need a further laparoscopy to manage complications such as these.
Last Reviewed: 02 November 2009
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