A few years ago, Lap band surgery was the most common bariatric operation performed in Australia. It has gradually declined in use due to high long-term revision surgery and complication rates.
However this procedure still plays a role for certain patients.
The procedure involves placing an adjustable silicon band which sits around the upper part of your stomach, forming a small pouch. This restricts the amount you can eat and produces early satiety.
A Gastric Band (commonly referred to as a lap-band) is a silicon-based device that is surgically placed around the top of the stomach. It is adjustable and can be configured to best suit each individual’s requirements.
It works by reducing the amount of food intake by causing the sensation of ‘feeling full’ to occur after smaller portions have been consumed. This is due to the device effectively shrinking the overall volume of the stomach.
Typically, a patient with a BMI of over 35 is an ideal candidate for a gastric band procedure, but this can be extended to patients with a BMI above 30 if certain conditions are met and the surgeon feels a gastric band procedure is the most appropriate solution.
This reduction of appetite is an effective weight loss solution through a combination of a healthy balanced diet and easy to moderate levels of exercise, depending on the health of the individual patient.
You can check your BMI using our BMI calculator here
As with most bariatric procedures, lap band surgery is recommended for patients with a high BMI, typically over 35, but it is imperative you book a consultation with Mr Siva Gounder to determine what type of bariatric surgery is best suited to you.
It is important this surgery is accompanied with a healthy intake of food and easy to moderate exercise to prevent the stomach pouch from stretching.
As with any weight loss surgery there are complications or risks associated with lap band surgery, these include:
It is possible to achieve a loss of up to 40-60% excess weight, however specific results will differ for each individual.
Please contact Mr Gounder for a consultation to find out how much weight you could lose.
The cost of bariatric surgery is dependent on variety of factors. On average the cost of surgery is around $20,000 to $25,000 without private health insurance.
The total out of pocket costs of various Bariatric surgeries (including surgeon fees, anaesthetist and surgical assistant) for patients with Private Health Insurance (that have obesity surgery cover) range from $900 to $4,500.
This is dependent on various factors including type of health fund cover, primary or revisional surgery, type of surgery and anticipated complexity and time taken for the operation. The exact cost for your specific operation will be provided to you in writing well in advance. Please contact the practice to get specific details.
It is important follow the specific guidelines provided to you prior to your surgery, this includes not eating or drinking anything the night before so the stomach is empty to minimalise surgical risks. You will be advised of any specific changes to medication and diet in the days or weeks before surgery if necessary.
During the first few weeks after surgery it is important to allow yourself time to recover. You will be following a new nutrition plan, and will not be eating normal foods in the first few weeks, only liquid. After this period you will transition to solid foods after a few weeks. You will be advised how to change your eating habits to stay healthy while losing weight. You will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements.
It is extremely important to follow the eating and drinking plan your surgeon provides you with.
You will need to have a follow up after procedure, as your band is adjustable and can be configured to best suit your individual requirements. This will be configured to your specific individual health needs.
