What is Adjustable Gastric Banding?
Gastric banding is an adjustable gastric band that alters the anatomy of the stomach to help you reduce your food intake. Adjustable gastric banding is performed laparoscopically, meaning that the surgeon makes small incisions as opposed to one large incision.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery is the simplest and safest obesity operation and it is also an easily reversible one; however it generally has the lowest percentage of excess weight loss.

How does Adjustable Gastric Banding Work?
Adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive type of weight loss surgery. A silicone band with an inflatable balloon on the inner surface is implanted around the top of the stomach to restrict food intake. This creates a small pouch (15-30 ml) and a narrow passage to the lower stomach.
This small passage delays the emptying of food from the pouch and causes a feeling of fullness. The balloon is able to be inflated via a reservoir under the skin of the abdominal wall. The silicone band can be tightened or loosened to change the size of the passage by injecting saline through this reservoir.
However, it requires regular follow up for periodic adjustments. Many types of adjustable gastric band are on the market in Egypt. However, we prefer the Lap-Band System AP (made in USA).


Who is a Good Candidate for Adjustable Gastric Banding?

Risks and complications:
Possible general risks can include
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Bleeding.
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Pain.
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Infection.
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Pneumonia.
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Complications due to anesthesia and medications.
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Deep vein thrombosis.
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Pulmonary embolism.
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Heart attack.
Risks and disadvantages include:
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Infection of this foreign body (the band)
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Slippage of the band can occur with persistent vomiting if behavioral changes are not made.
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The band may erode into the inside of the stomach.
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The band can spontaneously deflate due to leakage.
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The stomach pouch can enlarge.
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The stoma (stomach outlet) can be blocked.
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Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), when stomach contents rise up into the esophagus.
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Frequent visits for band adjustments or fills.
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The pouch may stretch with continued overeating.
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Death. The risk of death due to gastric banding surgery is about 1 in 2000.
Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery Advantages:
Compared with other types of weight loss surgery, adjustable gastric banding has these advantages:
- Reversible (Removable at any time)
- Adjustable without additional surgery
- Less invasive
- Less operating time
- Less operative and short-term mortality than gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.
- Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass as it does not interfere with absorption, so vitamin deficiencies are less likely to occur.
- No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions, which occurs when the undigested stomach contents are “dumped” into your small intestine too quickly. It is marked by abdominal cramps and nausea.
- Improves health problems related to excessive weight, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and asthma.
- Slow and steady weight loss
- Less risk of hair loss

What to expect after Surgery?
Weight loss surgery types
Operations that reduce the stomach size or obstruct the pathway of food are known as restrictive surgery because they restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold. When you feel full, you are more likely to have reduced feelings of hunger and will no longer feel deprived.
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