A Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Procedure is typically performed by a bariatric surgeon through several small incisions in the stomach. To aid the procedure, a small camera is employed.

This minimally invasive surgery, known as keyhole surgery, usually results in less pain and discomfort post-surgery and less time off from work.

The surgery itself lasts about 30-45 minutes during which a Gastric Band, (a contraption very similar to a wristwatch) is fastened around the upper stomach to create a small pouch. This pouch restricts the volume of food that can be consumed by the patient.

The tightness of this band can be adjusted via the injection of a saline solution through a port that is surgically inserted in the patient’s abdomen. This level of control means that the Gastric Band can always be adjusted to suit the needs of patient.

The Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Procedure does not involve cutting or stapling of the stomach or intestines, providing the option to reverse the treatment and minimising the levels of discomfort experienced.

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Procedure was first introduced to Australia in 1994. Since then, it has become the most widely used weight control procedure in the country. In 2010, 11,000 procedures were performed in Australia alone and 650,000 procedures have been performed worldwide.

These sorts of procedures are performed at our centres in Burnie, Launceston and Hobart regularly.

HOW THE GASTRIC BANDING PROCEDURE WORKS

The Gastric Banding Procedure is a proven weight loss solution and has been for almost 25 years to-date.

The Laparoscopic Gastric Band assists with weight loss and post-surgery weight control in the following two ways:

  • Creating a sense of fullness: As the gastric band presses on the upper portion of the stomach, the main satiety-related nerves are activated. These signals “tell” the brain that the stomach is full and the feeling of hunger dissipates.
  • Satisfying hunger sooner: As the gastric band creates a ‘smaller’ stomach, less food is required to ‘fill’ said stomach to the appropriate volume of ‘feeling full’ Also, because the band has reduced the size of the passage through which food passes, it takes longer to digest.

Health professionals are also available to support patients long-term who choose to undergo Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Procedure. This team usually includes a General Practitioner, possibly a specialist to manage any obesity-related diseases, a Dietician, a Psychologist and where necessary, an Exercise expert.