Specialists in Gastric Band Surgery

(Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band)

How Does Gastric Band Surgery Work?

The adjustable gastric band (known as lap banding) acts as a restrictive weight loss procedure. Gastric band surgery involves placing a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. The procedure, which takes approximately 40 minutes to complete, is undertaken laparoscopically (using small keyhole incisions) under a general anaesthetic. There is a small potential for conversion to open surgery (less than 0.1%).

The surgeon will create a small pouch above the band (about the size of a golf ball) and a large pouch below the band. This creates an hourglass appearance, and it functions by limiting the amount of food you need to eat in order to feel full. It also controls the rate at which food is emptied out of the pouch into the rest of the stomach. This is at a slower rate than normal, and therefore you should feel satisfied with a smaller amount of food and feel fuller for longer.

The band can be adjusted to increase or decrease restriction.

*As with any surgical procedure, there are possible risks and complications, including band slippage or erosion, infection, anaesthetic contraindications, leakage from thin connection tubing, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (clot to the lung), bleeding, wind/constipation, haemorrhage problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), oesophageal dilation causing heartburn (may require band deflation and surgery), pouch dilation, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) or oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus), death.

These are uncommon and we will do everything possible to prevent them from happening. Please speak to your Tonic surgeon to discuss the risks in more detail and any concerns you may have.

Danni’s review of her gastric band. Watch her inspiring story below.

See more weight loss surgery and gastric band reviews on Reviews.io.

Weight Loss Results

The gastric band is designed for slow, continuous weight loss (one to two pounds per week). Patients typically lose 20% of their total body weight over a 12 to 18 month period.

At 12 months, the weight loss achieved by gastric banding is slightly less than the sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass – approximately 50% of their excess weight (a term used to describe weight above a BMI of 25).

Preparation

Before the procedure, patients will go on a low-carbohydrate and low-fat 800-calorie diet to shrink the liver.

Recovery Time and Aftercare

In many cases, gastric band surgery can be undertaken as a day-case procedure. Some patients may require an overnight stay in the hospital and can expect to return to work after 7 to 10 days and to full activity within 10 to 14 days of surgery.

After the procedure, patients will be asked to go on a particular diet to help the healing. Typically, this is a liquid-only diet for two weeks, a puréed diet for two weeks and then a soft diet for two weeks. From then on, patients will need to continue to eat in the right way, adopting an active and healthy lifestyle.

Read more about our Premium 5 Year Aftercare package at the bottom of this page.

Gastric Band Adjustments

The gastric band can be tightened or loosened and will need adjusting from time to time. Typically, a patient will have six to eight follow-up appointments in the first year. This ensures we reach the appropriate amount of fluid in the band for each patient. (This varies depending on the body mass index of the patient, the band we have used and the weight loss expectations.)

An adjustment reduces the size of the opening into the rest of the stomach below the band. This is done via the port (button like), which is connected to the band by a small thin tube that is positioned under the skin and fat. Please note that this is not visible.

Gastric band adjustments are relatively pain-free and will be carried out by our own team of specialists until the suitable restriction for you is established. This can be different for every patient.

Is the Procedure Reversible?

Gastric band surgery is a reversible procedure unlike the sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass. The operation to remove the gastric band is done laparoscopically (keyhole) and takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Is a Gastric Band Right for You?

If you have already tried adjusting your diet and exercise routine to lose weight and these measures have not been effective, you may qualify for a gastric band procedure.

Gastric band surgery is generally not appropriate for those with conditions such as acid reflux, Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal dysmotility.

Your Tonic surgeon will discuss whether a gastric band is right for you and explain all the benefits and risks in detail during your initial consultation.

Availability

Our gastric band surgery procedures are available in London, Derby, Manchester, Leeds, Luton, Birmingham, Nottingham and Leicester, with finance options available.

Click here to enquire about our gastric band cost.

All our leading bariatric surgeons are NHS-approved.