What is LAP-BAND® Surgery?

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, more commonly called LAP-BAND® Surgery, helps with weight loss by restricting how much food the stomach can hold. The name LAP-BAND® comes from the surgical technique used (laparoscopic) and the name of the product used (gastric band).

The LAP-BAND® procedure involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach which creates a smaller pouch at the top of the stomach and leaves the larger portion of the stomach below the band. The band is a hollow ring filled with saline that can be adjusted with more or less saline to create a smaller or larger opening. With LAP-BAND® Surgery, there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach and there is no intestinal rerouting.




How does the LAP-BAND® promote weight loss?

The smaller gastric pouch that is created by the gastric band limits the amount of food that can be eaten and slows the emptying process from the stomach into the intestines. The smaller stomach pouch and slower digestion rate lets you feel full sooner and feel full longer. The band can be adjusted to let in more or less food as needed.



How is the LAP-BAND® adjusted?

During surgery, an access port is placed beneath the skin that is connected to the gastric band by a tube. Saline can be easily added or removed by the surgeon thru the access port using a thin needle. This process is called inflating or deflating. If weight loss is too small and the band is too loose, saline is added to reduce the opening. If the opening is too tight, saline can be removed.



What band do you use and how good is it?

Our surgeons use Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band which is the best Gastric Band and has been found to be the safest band in the long-term use. This is also the most expensive band. Many hospitals in Europe and UK cut down the cost by using bands that have been only recently introduced and cost only half as much as the Swedish band. Long term follow up of these recently introduced bands is not known and these newer bands have a higher tendency to perforate through the stomach and then they need to be removed. However, we are committed to provide you the best quality.



What are the advantages of LAP-BAND® Surgery?

Lap-Band Surgery is a promising new weight loss procedure with many advantages over other obesity surgical options. Since it's approval by the FDA in 2001 it has become the fastest growing bariatric (weight loss) procedure in the United States.

Minimal Trauma

• Least invasive surgical option
• No intestinal re-routing
• No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel
• Reduced pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quicker recovery

Fewer Risks and Side Effects

• Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures
• Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
• Reduced risk of hair loss
• No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions

Adjustable

• Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss
  Adjustments performed without additional surgery
• Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased
  nutritional needs

Reversible

• Removable at any time
• Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms and
  functions

Effective Long-Term Weight Loss

• Almost 300,000 cases performed worldwide
• Standard of care for hundreds of practices around the world
• Academic publications with up to 7 years of follow-up

Am I a good candidate for Lap-Band Surgery?

Lap-Band Surgery may be right for you if:

• Your BMI is more than 40 or more than 35 with obesity related health conditions
• You weigh twice your ideal weight or are at least 100 pounds overweight
• You are between the ages of 18 and 60
• You have been overweight for 5 years or more
• You have been unable to lose weight thru diet and exercise
• You do not have an illness that has caused you to be overweight
• You do not drink too much alcohol
• You are committed to making changes in your diet and lifestyle

If you are interested in weight loss surgery and want get the expert opinion about your candidacy for the surgery, fill up the obesity surgery eligibility form and send it to us.

How do I know what kind of surgery is the best for me?

Your surgeon will work with you to determine what type of surgery is best for you.



How long is the average recovery period after Lap Band surgery?

You would need to stay in the hospital for about a day or two.  Typically, it'll be about a week before you can go back to work, and about a month to six weeks before you can start exercising again.



How much weight and how fast can I expect to lose weight with Lap-Band Surgery?

Based on the average weight loss seen in other Lap-Band patients, you can expect to lose about 1-1/2 to 2 pounds per week and about 50% of your excess weight within the first year of surgery. Your individual results may be more or less than the average because weight loss is dependent on a combination of factors including your starting weight, your diet after surgery, and the amount of exercise you do.



Is the rate of weight loss with the Lap-Band safe?

The Lap-Band device helps you lose weight safely and steadily. With Lap-Band it may be possible to lose 2 to 3 pounds per week, but it is more likely that you will lose about 1-1/2 to 2 pounds per week. The rate of weight loss experienced with Lap-Band Surgery is considered a safe amount.



What health conditions show improvement with Lap-Band Surgery?

Most Lap-Band patients find that their obesity related health conditions either improve or disappear completely as they lose weight. If you have medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), obstructive sleep apnea, and knee pain, it is likely that you too will see your health improve as you lose weight.

"I was a voracious eater and just cannot stop myself from munching. One day when I had the angina pain that I realized drastic action needed to be tak" Les, UK

What diet and lifestyle do I have to follow after the surgery?

After surgery, your surgeon will have you slowly advance thru varying stages of the post-op diet. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations in order to heal properly, be properly nourished, and avoid complications. Your doctor will monitor your healing process, which will take about 4 to 8 weeks.

With the Lap-Band, you will need to sip fluids slowly, avoid getting overfull, and keep portion sizes small. Your surgeon will go over new eating behaviors and appropriate food choices with you.

The first week or two after surgery you will be on a full liquid diet. This is to keep the stomach from working too hard and to decrease pressure on the band while the body heals.

The first couple of days will be limited to clear liquids, such as diluted apple juice, chicken broth, beef broth, sugar-free gelatin, and artificially-sweetened non-carbonated beverages.

Once you are able to handle clear liquids, full liquids will be added to your diet. Full liquids include cream broth and soups, protein shakes, milk, yogurt, and sugar-free puddings.

After a couple of weeks, you will progress to pureed foods. It is important to proceed slowly to see what your body will allow. Keep your meals small and focus on high-protein foods. Gradually you will be able to add soft foods such as oatmeal and eggs.

After 4 - 8 weeks, depending on how your body is responding and healing, you will be able to start eating normal foods. It will be important to choose healthy foods, eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, and to stop eating when you feel full.



Exercise after Lap Band Surgery

Exercise is important in the recovery from any operation. Walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise for this purpose. A regular exercise program is highly recommended. Begin with very short walks several times a day and gradually increase the distance. Walking also improves muscle tone while you are losing weight. Do not, at first, engage in strenuous exercise. For example, do not lift more than ten pounds at a time. About six weeks after surgery, you should be able to tolerate all but the most strenuous exercises.

Do not sit or stand in one place for a long period of time. Light housekeeping chores may be performed when you feel you are able. Driving a car is usually permitted one week after surgery. Sexual activities may be resumed unless otherwise specified.

Most people are able to return to light work after ten days and to heavy labor after six weeks. The time of your return to work will depend upon the physical demands of your job and the rate of your recovery.

Having bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure and is one that should be considered carefully. The following steps can help you prepare you for surgery and the changes that you will go through.

• Educate yourself about bariatric surgery. Learn everything you can about bariatric surgery.
• Make lists of the following:
• A complete diet history of all diet attempts.
• Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) and the dosages you take.
• Foods you like and those you can not tolerate.
• Medical records, especially any recent cardiac stress testing, to minimize repeat tests.
• Start making important changes in your eating and exercise habits. Doing this can help prepare you for the life changes that you will need to make after surgery. These are some of the necessary dietary and behavioral changes that you need to start:
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.
• Switch from caffeine to decaffeinated beverages
• Keep a detailed written food diary.
• Eat at least three meals per day and avoid snacking in between. Don't worry about the calories for now, focus on the behavior.
• Begin a walking program if able.
• Stop smoking. Smoking slows the healing process and may cause respiratory problems after surgery. If you need help, ask your doctor.
• Write down your feelings every day to remind yourself of your commitment to begin a new and healthier lifestyle and the alternatives if you don't.
• Attend support groups. Having an environment that is filled with support and encouragement is necessary for any patient that undergoes bariatric surgery.

Having bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure and is one that should be considered carefully. The following steps can help you prepare you for surgery and the changes that you will go through.

• Please fill the enquiry form and weight loss surgery eligibility form for our surgeon to asses if you are a good candidate for the surgery.
• Your case manager will get in touch with you with the details and our expert surgeon’s opinion shortly after we receive the filled forms.
• You would need to undergo few pre operative screening tests. It is advisable to get the tests done in your country.
• About two weeks before your LAP-BAND surgery, the surgeon will have you begin a special diet. The pre-op diet is important because it is designed to get your body ready for surgery and make recovery easier. You will need to lose fat around your stomach and liver, as well as shrink the liver itself. The diet helps reduce potential bleeding that can accompany surgery by reducing fatty triglycerides from around the liver and spleen. A primary part of the pre-op diet is a protein supplement. Myocel, a protein powder, is designed to lower the fat content of the liver, maximize recovery, and promote weight loss. Myocel can be mixed in with skim milk, water, fruit juice, or fat-free yogurt. Foods that will need to be decreased in your diet include high-sugar foods, high carbohydrate foods (including bread), fats (such as butter), fatty meats, fried foods, whole milk products, and alcohol. Your diet will be limited, but foods that may be included are yogurt, fruit, cereal, eggs, oatmeal for breakfast and lean meat or fish with green vegetables for dinner. Pre-op diets may vary between surgeons and patients, but you should always follow the recommendations of your doctor. You would be asked to quit smoking a few days before the surgery.
• You can choose to combine the procedure with a spa treatment or Ayurveda rejuvenation package or side trip in India before the surgery.
• The case manager would make a detailed itinerary for you, with the quote.
• The case manager keep in touch with you regularly with the pre op diet plan and surgeon’s instructions.