Everything You Need to Know About Gastric Band Surgery in Bangalore

What is Gastric Band Surgery?

Gastric band surgery, also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure in which an adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small stomach pouch that limits food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness with less food. The band's tightness can be adjusted through a port placed under the skin, allowing for personalized weight loss management. This surgery is often recommended for individuals with obesity who have not achieved significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone.

When is a Gastric Band Surgery Recommended?

Gastric band surgery is recommended in the following situations:

• Severe Obesity: For individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
• Moderate Obesity with Health Conditions: Individuals with a BMI of 30-39.9 who have obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
• Failed Weight Loss Attempts: When other weight loss methods, such as diet, exercise, and medication, have not resulted in significant or sustained weight loss.
• Commitment to Lifestyle Changes: For individuals committed to making necessary lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, and attending regular follow-up appointments.
• Psychological Readiness: When the individual is psychologically prepared for surgery and the lifestyle changes required post-operation.
• Absence of Contraindications: When there are no medical or psychological contraindications that would make the surgery riskier or less likely to be successful.

How to Prepare For Gastric Band Surgery?

To prepare for gastric band surgery, consider the following steps:

• Medical Evaluation: Undergo a thorough medical assessment, including blood tests, imaging studies, and evaluations by your healthcare team to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
• Nutritional Counseling: Meet with a dietitian to develop a pre-surgery diet plan that may include a high-protein, low-carbohydrate regimen to help shrink the liver and reduce surgical risks.
• Lifestyle Changes: Begin adopting healthier eating habits and start a regular exercise routine to improve your overall health and increase the likelihood of successful surgery and weight loss.
• Pre-Operative Instructions: Follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include fasting before the surgery, stopping certain medications, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
• Mental Preparation: Attend pre-surgery counseling or support groups to mentally prepare for the lifestyle changes and emotional adjustments required after surgery, ensuring you have a strong support system in place.

What Happens During a Gastric Band Surgery?

Here are the steps of gastric band surgery:

• Anesthesia Administration: The patient is administered general anesthesia, ensuring they are completely asleep and pain-free throughout the surgery. This involves inserting an IV line for medications and may include intubation to assist with breathing.
• Creation of Small Incisions: The surgeon makes several small incisions in the patient's abdomen. These incisions are typically around 1-2 centimeters in length. Through these incisions, a laparoscope (a tiny camera) and specialized surgical instruments are inserted to perform the procedure with minimal invasion.
• Placement of the Gastric Band: Using the laparoscope for guidance, the surgeon carefully positions an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. This band creates a small stomach pouch above it, significantly reducing the stomach’s capacity and thereby limiting food intake, which helps the patient feel full sooner.
• Insertion of the Adjustment Port: The band is connected to an adjustment port, which is placed under the skin of the abdomen. This port allows the surgeon to adjust the tightness of the band post-surgery by injecting or removing saline solution. Adjustments help regulate the rate of weight loss and manage any side effects.
• Closure and Immediate Recovery: After the band and port are securely in place, the laparoscopic instruments are removed, and the small incisions are closed using sutures or surgical staples. 

After the procedure, the patient is then moved to a recovery area where they are closely monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. Vital signs are checked regularly, and pain management is provided. The patient may stay in the hospital for a short period for observation before being discharged with specific post-operative care instructions.

Gastric Band Surgery - Recovery & Outlook

Recovery and outlook following gastric band surgery can be summarized as follows:

• Initial Recovery Period: The immediate recovery period typically involves staying in the hospital for 1-2 days for monitoring. During this time, patients are gradually introduced to clear liquids before advancing to pureed and soft foods. Pain and discomfort are managed with medication.
• Dietary Adjustments: Patients must adhere to a strict post-operative diet plan prescribed by their healthcare team. This usually involves consuming small, frequent meals and avoiding certain foods that may cause discomfort or obstruction. 
• Regular Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team are essential for monitoring progress, adjusting the gastric band as needed, and providing support and guidance for dietary and lifestyle changes. 
• Weight Loss and Health Improvements: Patients typically experience gradual weight loss over the months following surgery, with the most significant changes occurring in the first year. 
• Long-Term Maintenance: Successful outcomes depend on the patient's commitment to long-term lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and attendance at follow-up appointments. 

Continued support from healthcare providers, dietitians, and support groups can help patients maintain their weight loss and overall health over the long term.

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital in Bangalore, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!