GASTRIC BANDING

What is Gastric Banding?

Gastric banding, also known by the brand name LAP-BAND System, is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of an adjustable belt around the upper portion of the stomach using a laparascope. A gastric band restricts the amount of food you can consume in a single meal.

What is the Surgery and Recovery Like?

Dr. Lopez will make two small incisions to insert medical instruments and the lap band itself. He will place the band around the upper portion of your stomach.

While every patient is unique, most patients experience minimal post-op pain and only require an overnight stay in the hospital. Dr. Lopez will help you reduce post-op discomfort with gentle diet recommendations and tips.

If you work a job that is not physically demanding, you may be able to return to work in as little as one week. Most patients can resume their normal daily activities in about six weeks.

Adjustable Treatment

The Laparoscopic Gastric Banding System is also the only adjustable weight-loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. The silicone gastric band is inflatable and functions somewhat like a wristwatch.

Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.

To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to an access port, which is placed well below the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band.

What are the Benefits of Lap Band Surgery?

Gastric band procedures are considered safe and effective when combined with lifestyle changes:

— Minimally invasive: Dr. Lopez will complete the entire procedure laparoscopically through two tiny incisions and medical instruments. No cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the Gastric Banding.
— Safe: Since the gastric banding procedure is minimally invasive and only requires up to 60 minutes of anesthesia, it is also one of the safest weight loss surgeries with minimal risk for complications like infection.
— Adjustable: The band is the only adjustable weight loss procedure. Dr. Lopez can tighten the band with a quick saline injection to further restrict your food intake and increase results or widen it should your needs change.
— Effective: Most patients lose about 46% of excess weight in the first year or two and up to 70% over three years.
— Fast: Dr. Lopez can complete the entire procedure in 30 to 60 minutes, and you should only need to stay in the hospital for one night.
— Reversible: If you are unhappy with your band or no longer need it, Dr. Lopez can easily remove the band with another minimally invasive procedure. Your stomach will return to its original form.

Is Gastric Banding in Mexico Safe?

In short, yes! Gastric band surgery is one of the safest weight loss procedures because it is minimally invasive and requires no staples or stomach rerouting.

The prestigious Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases has recognized Dr. Alejandro Lopez’s practice as a leading Center of Excellence, so you know you are in expert hands at ALO Bariatrics.

Experienced Lap Band Surgery in Mexico

Want to learn more about gastric banding or if you are an eligible candidate for surgery?

If you are interested in learning more, contact us today. Dr. Alejandro Lopez will be happy to provide you with an initial consultation to discuss your eligibility and options.

ALO Bariatrics is a leading bariatric surgery practice in Mexico offering weight loss surgery procedures to those suffering from obesity. Contact us for more information.