Gastric Band/ Lap-Band®
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What is the gastric band?
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Who are the best candidates?
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How does it work?
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How is the gastric banding surgery carried out?
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What is the recovery process?
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What are the benefits and risks?
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Watch the video.
The Gastric Band
What is the gastric band? Back to top
Gastric banding is one the most efficient and popular weight loss surgeries. It is also one of the least invasive treatments with lowered risks and side effects. It is less invasive than other bariatric surgeries in terms that it is reversible and thus carries less complications.
The gastric band is also known as the Lap-Band® which is a trademark name. Harley Street Bariatrics uses the Lap-Band AP® by Allergan which is the fourth generation Lap-Band® created by Allergan and leading gastric surgeons around the world.
Who are the best candidates? Back to top
Gastric banding is generally best suited to people who are overweight with a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 35, although in some case those with a BMI of between 30 and 35 may be suitable. * You can calculate your BMI on our main page *(
please click here )
Other important factors:
You have been overweight for over five years.
Your weight-loss attempts have had only short term success, for example "yo yo" dieting
You are not suffering from any other disease that may have caused your weight gain.
You are prepared to make a daily commitment and change in your eating habits and lifestyle.
You are willing and eager to being monitored by the specialist treating you.
You do not drink alcohol in excess.
At the time of your consultation, you will be carefully assessed by the surgeon as each individual is different in anatomy and BMI are rough estimates not taking into account large bone and muscle mass.
How does it work? Back to top
The gastric band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a second smaller stomach. The smaller pouch restricts the amount you can eat at one time. Food pools in the upper stomach pouch because it is unable to pass quickly into the lower stomach. This slows digestion down resulting in an early feeling of satiety or fullness.
This restriction helps the patient control their daily intake of food by reducing portions and increasing meals frequency which is medically proven to help lose weight at a healthy and steady pace.
The flow of the food from the upper to the lower part of the stomach is regulated by the size of the band. The adjustable band helps drive the rate of weight loss.
The band is adjusted with in-fills which are injections of saline (salt water) into the band through the port (attached on the abdominal muscle wall) which in turns shrinks the opening of the stomach. This is a quick and relatively painless procedure performed by your surgeon. The first infill is done under an X-ray at the hospital and the rest can be done in the comfort the surgeon's private practise.
On average patients need between 2 - 4 infills in their first year to find their perfect size to the opening which will ensure a steady and continuous loss in weight. The time of the infills are decided by the team (dietitian, surgeon) and yourself.
The first one after surgery is usually 6 weeks post op when your appetite has come back and your weight loss has stabilized. We will keep in close contact with you to determine the best time. Weight loss resumes again after each infill.
The success of the gastric band is 60% the band itself and 40% YOU. Once the band has been inserted, it is up to you to follow a healthy lifestyle including nutrition and exercise to ensure continuous weight loss.
We are here every step of the way to ensure your maximum potential. Our team of surgeons, dieticians, personal trainers and coaches are here are for your every need!
The band is inserted through "keyhole surgery" also know as laparoscopic surgery. The operation takes usually 1 hour under a general anaesthetic. You will be required to stay one night at the hospital.
"Keyhole surgery" is used to reduce scars and recovery time from surgery.
Recovering/aftercare from a gastric band operation? Back to top
We advise taking at least one week off as you will be adjusting from the surgery and your new diet plan. The first two weeks you will need to go through a transition of fluids (ie: smoothies) to puree back to solids.
You will be followed and advised by your dietician and surgeon.
You will come back two weeks post surgery for a wound check. The sutures are generally dissolvable.
What are the benefits and risks? Back to top
The main benefits are:
Reversible - Even though it is reversible, the gastric band can be kept for a lifetime and is not affected by pregnancy. Once the band is removed the stomach returns to normal.
Minimal Scarring - Keyhole surgery involves small incisions where the surgical instruments are past through.
No cutting or stapling of the stomach
Short hospital stay
Quick recovery
No nutrition deficiency due to malabsorption
Overall less complications post surgery compared to other bariatric surgery
The main risks are:
All surgeries carry risks. The experience and skill the surgeon plus careful screening of each prospect can significantly lower these risks.
Infection - antibiotics are usually given to prevent infection. If an infection doesn't respond to antibiotics your band may need to be removed.
Damage to other organs in your abdomen - you may need further surgery to repair any damage.
Band problems - your band may slip out of place, leak, or work its way through the stomach wall. If this happens, your band may need to be repositioned, removed or replaced.
Gallstones - there is a risk you may develop gallstones if you lose weight quickly. These can be painful and you may need surgery to remove them. Your surgeon may advise removing your gallbladder when you have your operation.
Lapband placement Animation (watch the video) Back to top
