LAP Band Sydney – Gastric Band Surgery

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Obesity is associated with the onset of certain health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and sleep apnea, among others. Fortunately, individuals who suffer from obesity, including those experiencing obesity-related co-morbid health problems, can turn to Sydney bariatric surgeon Dr. V. Kuzinkovas for help. At Advanced Surgicare clinic, Dr. Kuzinkovas offers a range of weight loss surgery procedures, including adjustable gastric banding surgery with the Lap Band, to fit patients’ unique medical needs and help them lose the excess weight.

What Is Lap Band Surgery

Lap band surgery places a silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach and adjusts the band as needed. This bariatric procedure restricts food consumption to instigate weight loss. Dr V. Kuzinkovas performs laparoscopic gastric banding which may reduce some risks and recovery time. The lap band is adjustable, so your bariatric surgeon, Dr. Kuzinkovas, will be able to loosen or tighten the band as necessary by emptying the band or by filling it with saline solution.

About The Gastric Band Procedure

Dr. Kuzinkovas has extensive experience performing bariatric surgery using the laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive than traditional “open” surgery. With laparoscopic surgery, the weight loss surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen, through which he inserts his surgical instruments, including a specialized device with a lighted camera on the end of it. The camera transmits video from inside the treatment area onto a high-resolution screen in the operating room, so the surgeon can monitor the progress of surgery. Because laparoscopic surgery is less invasive than the open approach, the patient experiences less scarring and a quicker recovery.

The surgeon inserts the silicone band via one of the small incisions. He places the band around the upper part of the stomach and secures it in place with sutures. He attaches an injection port, connected via tubing, to the Lap Band and positions it onto the muscle layer of the abdominal wall. Later, Dr. Kuzinkovas can fill or empty the silicone band via the access port.

Adjusting The Lap Band

Dr. Kuzinkovas leaves the port empty immediately after surgery, while the patient recovers from the procedure. About four to six weeks after the initial procedure, the Sydney weight loss surgeon fills the band with saline solution, causing it to tighten around the stomach to restrict food intake. The surgeon adjusts the band at the Advanced Surgicare clinic every few weeks. Filling or emptying the band is easy, fast and essentially painless.

What to Expect After Gastric Band Surgery

Lap-Band surgery is a life-changing procedure, and gastric banding patients will need several weeks to recover completely. However, most patients are able to go back to work about one week after surgery. In the first two weeks after Lap-Band surgery, individuals must consume a liquid-only diet. Soon after that, they can slowly resume eating solid foods.

Following Lap Band surgery, patients will gradually lose the excess weight. During the first 12-18 months following surgery, their weight loss goal should be to lose between a half and a full  kilogram per week.

Patients should follow a healthy diet after Lap Band surgery. For individuals to lose the excess weight and subsequently maintain their ideal weight, they must eat nutritious meals and get plenty of exercise for the rest of their lives. In addition, getting psychological support from a qualified mental health professional and support groups helps keep patients on track with their weight loss goals.

Undergoing Lap Band surgery in Sydney with Dr. Kuzinkovas is an effective way to help patients lose weight, often resulting in a steady improvement in obesity-related co-morbid health conditions.

Lap Band Surgery Requirements

Lap Band Surgery is not designed for individuals who simply want to lose a few kilos. The gastric band procedure works as a tool for those who need to lose a significant amount of weight and want to keep it off permanently.

Dr. Kuzinkovas will determine if you are a suitable candidate for a weight-loss procedure such as lap band surgery on a case-by-case basis. Typical candidates for lap band surgery are individuals that:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
• Have a BMI of at least 30 AND have one or more obesity-related health problems.
• Are at least 16 years of age.
• Are prepared to make major changes to lifestyle and eating habits.
• Have unsuccessfully attempted to lose weight through non-surgical means.

LAP BAND FAQs

Can I remove the lap band if I lose all my excess weight?

Reaching your goal weight does not mean the lap band should be removed. The lap band is intended to stay in place indefinitely. If the band is removed, patients no longer feel satisfied with smaller portions and may resume eating larger meals. While it is a reversible procedure, removing the lap band is not advised once a patient meets their goal weight.

Is my ideal weight possible after lap band surgery?

Your ideal weight is achievable with lap band surgery; most patients lose half their excess weight after gastric banding. Patients may lose up to 1.5kg per week after lap band surgery, and weight loss may slow to .5kg to 1kg a week around six months later.

Lap band surgery leads to slow and steady weight loss, unlike the rapid weight loss seen with gastric bypass patients. The lap band helps control your portion size, but you must manage the quality and frequency of meals. Your diet and exercise will determine the success of lap band surgery. Advanced Surgicare will provide a nutrition and exercise plan for you as part of your obesity surgery program, and our team of dietitians is available to help.

When does the lap band need to be adjusted?

If you’re not achieving optimal weight loss or experiencing hunger, you may need a band adjustment with additional fluid. Early and prolonged satiety (feeling full after smaller portions for several hours) and ongoing weight loss indicate the band is working well and there’s no need for adjustment. However, some fluid may need to be removed if you’re having difficulty swallowing or experiencing regurgitation, acid reflux (heartburn) or a nightly cough.

The lap band works as intended if you feel satisfied after eating small portions and can tolerate most foods. Discuss your concerns with our obesity surgeon in Sydney to see if you need an adjustment.

What if I become pregnant after lap-band surgery?

Women are typically advised to wait one to two years after lap-band surgery to become pregnant or try to conceive. Most weight loss happens in the first year after bariatric surgery, but it’s best for your weight to stabilize before you get pregnant. (It may take three to five years for your weight to stabilize.) During your consultation, discuss your plans for a family with Dr V. Kuzinkovas so he and our team are aware of your goals. You will need to follow a well-balanced diet, take supplements and manage nutritional and weight gain with our support team during pregnancy.

While the lap band will require adjustments throughout pregnancy, it does not need to be removed. The lap band assists you with hunger and portion control during pregnancy, as the idea of “eating for two” is incorrect and may lead to excessive weight gain. Dr. Kuzinkovas can answer your lap band and pregnancy questions during your consultation and discuss how future pregnancies will impact your lap band surgery results and medical care.

Learn More About Lap Band Surgery

If you suffer from obesity and related co-morbid health concerns, it is time to start on your way to leading a healthier, more fulfilling life — today. To schedule a consultation with our premiere weight loss surgeon in Sydney, Dr. Kuzinkovas, please contact Advanced Surgicare Clinic by calling 1300 551 533.