Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band popularly known as Gastric band or Lap Band is a Bariatric or Weight loss surgery procedure. A band separates the upper part of the stomach from the lower part thus creating a small pouch. This pouch makes one feel full even after taking much lesser amount of food than earlier.
This is an adjustable silicon rubber band which the doctor can adjust anytime. The whole process takes around 1 hour. The patient will be under general anesthesia during the process. Surgeons will make small incisions around the stomach area. Surgical camera (laparoscope) and other tools will then be inserted through these incisions. The surgeon then places a band (called as Gastric band or loop band) over the upper part of the stomach. This thus creates a separation between the upper and lower parts of the stomach. An important characteristic of this surgery is that it is a minimally invasive procedure, results in lesser scars and marks and lesser pain as compared to other bariatric surgery procedures.
This is an effective treatment for obesity and related issues like Hypertension, Sleep apnea, and Type 2 Diabetes.
People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35-40 are ideal candidates for this weight loss surgery.
Advantages
Some of the advantages of Gastric Band surgery are:
- It is a minimally invasive procedure with lesser pain & scars compared with other bariatric surgery.
- The Gastric band is adjustable to desired tightness
- There is a weight loss between 40 to 50 % in the first year after surgery.
- Recovery is quick and normal routine activities can be done as early as 2 weeks from the time of surgery.
Disadvantages
- The lap band requires adjustment once it loosens or tightens around the stomach which will require a doctor visit. As one loses weight, lap band becomes loose and requires a visit to the doctor for tightening.
- There are reports of slipping of band from its place.
- There will be blood loss during surgery, infections, poor nutrition after surgery etc.
Post-Operative Care
The diet will be mostly liquid food for 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. The patient can take smaller meals after that. Most of the hospitals for bariatric/weight loss surgeries will have expert dieticians who will give a diet plan. This plan which will have lot of proteins, vitamins and other contents which are low in sugar.
Do’s & Dont’s after Surgery
- Do Exercise regularly
- Follow the diet chart
- Do not smoke and/or consume alcohol
- Don’t use swimming pool, bathtubs etc.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes that rubs against the incision
Cost & Time:
The procedure typically takes about an hour. The time in hospital would typically be 2-4 days while overall stay in India would be for 3-4 weeks. There will be checkups and follow-ups with the doctor during the stay. Gastric band surgery cost in India is typically between 7,500-10,500 USD. The cost typically depends on the hospital, patient condition and the length of stay in hospital.
Medical Travel in a foreign country
India with its world-class pool of Surgeons, Doctors, Medical staff, and Hospitals which adapt the latest technology treatment procedures has been on the forefront in offering medical services for International Patients. There is also the added advantage on cost time. Most of the Medical services offered in India including surgeries, Cancer treatment, Transplants etc. has a cost-benefit varying from 50% to even 400% when compared to places like Malaysia, Europe, and US
If your planning to undergo Gastric band in India, then INDHEAL is an online
medical travel company which gives the medical treatment seeker options on treatment details costs from the desired best Hospitals. It facilitates helps in the visa application for medical travel to India, local stay travel once in India to the Patient his attendees. The patient his attendees do not have to worry on any problems that will arise in a new place. All treatment cost time is known in advance before they plan their trip to India. INDHEAL will make sure that there is no waiting time for treatment, after arrival in India for the patient.