Gastric band surgery
- Mr Shashidhar Irukulla, Consultant Laparoscopic, Upper GI & Bariatric Surgeon
Key points
- Gastric band surgery, also called lap band surgery, is a common type of weight loss surgery for people who are obese.
- Following a healthy lifestyle after weight loss surgery is the key to success.
- You’ll need to follow a specific diet to ensure you get the nutrition you need after lap band surgery.
- Surgery is most likely to be successful in the long term when combined with regular counselling.
What is gastric band surgery?
Gastric band surgery involves putting an adjustable gastric band around the top section of your stomach. This creates a small stomach ‘pouch’ at the top, with the rest of your stomach sitting below the band. You’ll feel fuller more quickly, and not be able to eat a lot at once. This is because the top part of your stomach is narrower. This can lead to weight loss over time.
How gastric banding surgery is carried out
How a gastric band is fitted | Watch in 1:41 minutes
Gastric band surgery is a common type of weight-loss surgery for people who are very overweight or severely obese. This animation explains how a gastric band is fitted.
Who can have a gastric band?
You may be able to have gastric band surgery if you:
- have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
- have a BMI between 35 and 40 and a health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- have already tried dieting, exercise and weight-loss medicines (if suitable)
- are healthy enough to have a general anaesthetic
- are committed to making lifestyle changes
- are prepared to attend regular follow-up appointments
If you’re from an Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern or Black family background and have a long-term health condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be able to have gastric band surgery at a lower BMI.
This is because people from these ethnic backgrounds are more likely to get obesity-related complications at a lower body weight. Certain long-term health problems may prevent you from having lap band surgery. These include:
- severe heart disease
- certain psychological disorders
If you’re very overweight (obese), your GP may refer you to a specialised obesity management service that can check if surgery may help you.
Can I have gastric band surgery on the NHS?
If gastric band surgery is right for you, you might be able to have it on the NHS. But it’s not currently available in all areas of the UK. You may be able to have this type of weight loss surgery privately.
When should I have gastric band surgery?
Having weight loss surgery is a major operation. So, you’ll need to consider all the risks and possible outcomes. Here are some factors to consider.
- Gastric band surgery may reduce your risk of health conditions linked to obesity – for example, diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Not everyone loses as much weight as they want to after surgery.
- Some research shows other types of weight loss surgery may work better in the long term.
- You may need to replace your gastric band if you have complications.
- Your gastric band may need to be removed if you’re not losing weight – you may be able to have another type of weight loss surgery instead.
- Adapting to weight loss after surgery can be hard. There are patient support groups to help with this.
You could also consider alternatives to gastric band surgery, for example:
- sleeve gastrectomy
- gastric bypass
How much weight can you lose with a gastric band?
Everyone loses a different amount of weight after lap band surgery. This may depend on what you’re eating and how much exercise you’re doing after your surgery. It also depends on your weight before your surgery and how often you have follow-up appointments. Most people should lose about half their extra weight over two years.
Bupa Weight Management Plan
The Bupa weight management plan is designed for people with a BMI over 30 (or over 27 if you have a weight related condition). The plan is designed to empower you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight in a sustainable way.
To book or to make an enquiry, call us on 03452660566∧
Preparing for gastric band surgery
You’ll need to have some tests to check that you’re fit for lap band surgery. This might include blood pressure and heart rate checks. You’ll also:
- be given information about what to drink and eat after surgery
- be asked to stop smoking a few weeks before your surgery
You might also be asked to follow a very low-calorie diet for two to three weeks before surgery to make it easier to fit your band safely.
Take some time to make sure you’re happy with your decision to have a gastric band. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask. No question is too small. It’s important that you feel fully informed, so you feel comfortable to give your consent for the operation to go ahead. You may be asked to do this by signing a consent form.
What happens during gastric band surgery?
A gastric band operation is done under general anaesthesia , which means you’ll need to fast before surgery. Hospital staff will also:
- do any final checks
- ask you to wear compression stockings or take anticlotting medicine to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
The anaesthetist may give you some medicines (premedication) before your general anaesthetic. Gastric bands are fitted via keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. This means you’ll have a few small cuts in your tummy rather than one large cut. Your surgeon will:
- place the band around the top part of your stomach
- add a piece of fine tubing to connect the band with an injection port
- inject fluid into the band to tighten or loosen it
- close the cuts in your stomach with dissolvable stitches or clips
What to expect after gastric band surgery
At the hospital
You’ll need to rest until the anaesthetic has worn off. You may need some pain relief to help ease any discomfort. You will also:
- have a drip in your hand or arm to give you fluids
- be encouraged to move around as soon as you can
- be given follow-up advice on wound care
Once your anaesthetic has worn off, you’ll be allowed to drink some fluids.
Going home
You’ll usually be able to go home on the day of your operation or on the following day. The hospital team will check you can move around and are able to eat some food before you leave the hospital. You’ll be given advice on how to look after your surgical wounds and general care. Make sure someone can take you home and, if possible, stay with you for a day while the anaesthetic wears off.
You can carry on taking over-the-counter painkillers at home when needed. Your surgeon should let you know when you can begin to eat and drink again after surgery. At your follow-up appointments, you might:
- have your band adjusted as needed
- check your weight loss progress
- have blood tests to check nutrient levels
- have liver function tests
What can I eat after gastric band surgery?
A dietitian will help you to make the right changes after weight loss surgery. You’ll also be encouraged to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement. This is to make sure you get all the nutrients you need. Make sure you follow your dietitian’s advice. You’ll need to gradually increase what you’re eating to encourage healing and prevent complications.
Be aware of what you drink. This is because high-calorie drinks such as full-sugar fizzy drinks can still pass through your gastric band and might lead to weight gain over time.
Complications of gastric band surgery
Like all types of surgery, gastric band surgery can cause some complications. These include:
- an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic
- too much bleeding
- a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis – DVT)
Gastric band surgery can cause other complications too. These include:
- an infection– your skin may be red or sore if this happens
- an injury to your stomach or other nearby organs such as your oesophagus
- your gastric band slipping, leaking or deflating
- band erosion – this is when your gastric band slowly works its way through your stomach wall; it affects around 3 to 4 in every 100 people who have gastric band surgery
- gallstones if you lose weight too quickly
Contact your doctor or surgeon if you get any symptoms after your surgery – for example:
- a high temperature (fever)
- finding it hard to swallow or not being able to swallow
- tummy pain
- chest pain
- finding it hard to breathe
- being very sick
Can I have my gastric band removed?
If you have gastric band surgery complications, you can have the band removed via keyhole surgery. You can also have your gastric band removed if you aren’t happy with the outcome. This will likely lead to weight gain unless you have an alternative weight loss procedure.
Other effects of gastric band surgery
Not everyone loses as much weight as they want to after the operation. And some people put weight back on after losing it. If this happens, your surgeon may suggest other treatments such as gastric bypass surgery.
Some people may also:
- find a gastric band too restrictive
- have extra skin folds that can become sore or infected
You can have a cosmetic surgery to remove your extra skin. This can include a tummy tuck or breast uplift surgery. You’ll need to wait at least a year after your gastric band surgery to have this procedure, and it’s not usually available on the NHS.
Can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
You can get pregnant after gastric band surgery, but it’s a good idea to wait until you’ve reached a stable weight. If you do get pregnant, a doctor will:
- check any weight gain
- ensure you’re getting the right nutrients
- refer you to a dietitian
You’ll also need to have your band adjusted or deflated during your pregnancy. You may need your gastric band deflated if you have hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea or sickness during pregnancy). Your doctor may recommend that you take some extra vitamin and mineral supplements that are safe during pregnancy. If you're planning to get pregnant or have found out you’re pregnant, speak to a doctor for advice.
Tips for a healthy and well-balanced diet
A healthy, well-balanced diet involves eating foods from a variety of food groups to get the nutrients that your body needs to function.
Obesity in adults
Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat accumulates and may lead to health problems
Gastric bypass
Gastric bypass is surgery to help you lose weight if you’re very overweight.
Other helpful websites
Discover other helpful health information websites.
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- Victoria Goldman, Freelance Health Editor
