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Gastric Lap Band surgery works by taking an adjustable band and placing it around the upper part of the stomach placing it into a smaller pouch and conversely the lower stomach into a larger pouch.
A balloon in the band can then be increased or decreased according to the restriction required. The restriction allows food to enter the upper pouch but delays the release into the lower pouch by around 3-4 hours, therefore, giving the feeling of being fuller for longer.
After this 3-4 hour period the upper stomach releases the food into the lower stomach which then allows the natural feeling of hunger to return.
This prevents the patient from feeling hungry between meal times and normal digestion and absorption takes its natural course.
The gastric lap band was once the most popular obesity surgery for those suffering with obesity, however it has now been superseded by the gastric sleeve surgery.
The gastric sleeve physically reduces the size of your stomach so there is no chance of overeating, making weight loss much easier and faster.
The gastric band however changes the way signals are sent to your brain when you eat and the main disadvantage is the need for regular adjustments (every 4-8 weeks). There is also the risk of complications with the lap band device such as slippage, erosion and tube issues.
In comparison, the gastric sleeve surgery, unlike the band, does not involve inserting a foreign object into your body. It is the permanent removal of a part of your stomach organ which significantly reduces the amount of food able to be consumed. The gastric sleeve also works by creating a reduction in the hunger hormone Ghrelin.
The gastric sleeve is very different to stomach stapling or the gastric bypass as it does not affect the small intestine which means there is no risk of mal-absorption of protein, vitamins or minerals.
Gastric sleeve surgery is now considered to produce more successful weight loss outcomes for patients needing obesity surgery – better than the lap band – and is most suited to those who eat too much unhealthy food such as chocolate, sweets, junk food and alcohol.
The sleeve is also known restrict the amount of liquids that can be consumed, making it the ideal option for emotional eaters – particularly when coupled with support from a dietitian and psychologist to combat the underlying mindset behind the eating patterns.
Another advantage of gastric sleeve surgery over lap band surgery is you have less restrictions with what you can and cannot eat. It has been reported people that have undergone lap band surgery can often have trouble consuming steak or bread however with the gastric sleeve, most types of food can still be eaten, just in smaller amounts.
Finally, it has been recorded that weight loss after the gastric sleeve is higher than with the lap band for the average patient!
It is for all these reasons we now specialise in the gastric sleeve surgery as the preferred choice for your weight loss surgery journey.
The costs of having weight loss surgery are made up of a number of sources:
For an estimate of total weight loss surgery costs, the best way is to contact us directly for a discussion of your particular circumstances and insurance coverage.
Guidelines for weight loss surgery are established by obesity surgical societies (OSSANZ and IFSO) and government bodies (National Institutes of Health) to ensure the safety and efficacy of the operations.
You may be a candidate if: