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LAP-BAND PATIENT INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
Morbid Obesity is a serious disease that is responsible for several co-morbid conditions. Increased risk of high blood pressure, adult onset diabetes, bone and joint disorders, and deep vein thrombosis are but a few of the associated conditions.
Non-surgical treatment options including various combinations of low-calorie or very-low-calorie diets, exercise, behaviour modification and drug therapy may achieve acceptable weight reduction but fail to maintain the weight reduction in most patients.
LAP-BAND - HOW IT WORKS
The Lap-band is placed around the upper part of the stomach - reducing its volume leading to a limited intake of food. Several studies performed using this technique have shown weight losses of up to 60% within one year.
The gastric band is inserted by Key-hole surgery (video-laparoscopic surgery) through four x 5 mm incisions and one x 12 mm incision. The band is prevented from moving using a few stitches.
The operation takes between one to one and a half hours. The post-operative discomfort is likened to having done "too many" sit-up exercises. Patients are able to walk around on the evening following surgery and can drink a few hours after surgery.
Patients are usually well enough to go home in the evening on the first day after surgery or on the morning of the second day after surgery.
The central part of the band is inflatable which allows the diameter of the band to be varied in the postoperative period to fine-tune the rate of weight loss. This is done by injecting sterile fluid through a fine needle into a small reservoir which is placed underneath the skin at the time of surgery.
If no complications occur the band can remain in place. Once sufficient weight loss has been achieved the band can be re-adjusted or removed.
The procedure is completely reversible and if required the band can be easily removed by Key-hole surgery - after a few days the stomach returns to its normal volume.
If you require further information please contact us on: 020 7486-1515
Please note that this information is designed to help promote understanding of the conditions described. It does not serve as a guide to diagnosis or treatment. You should always consult your General Practitioner who is qualified to give you expert medical advice. Surgical techniques are constantly being modified and improved- please ask your surgeon for information regarding the technique, associated risks and complications. As with all medical treatments no guarantee of success is offered or implied
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