What is Gastric Banding Surgery?
Gastric banding surgery, also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or lap band surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to aid in weight loss for individuals struggling with obesity. It involves the placement of a silicone band, called a gastric band, around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. This restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to a feeling of fullness with smaller portions of food.
Here are the key steps involved in gastric banding surgery:
Anesthesia: The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure that the patient remains asleep and pain-free throughout the surgery.
Placement of the Gastric Band: Small incisions are made in the abdomen, and a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera) is inserted to provide a visual guide for the surgeon. The gastric band is then placed around the upper part of the stomach, forming a small pouch.
Adjustment Port Placement: A small port is implanted under the skin of the abdomen. This port is connected to the gastric band by a tube and allows for adjustments to be made to the band’s tightness in the future.
Closing Incisions: Once the gastric band and adjustment port are in place, the incisions are closed using stitches or staples.
Following the surgery, the gastric band can be adjusted by injecting or removing saline solution through the adjustment port. This allows the band’s tightness to be customized based on the individual’s needs and weight loss progress.
Gastric banding surgery aims to promote weight loss by reducing the stomach’s capacity, which limits food intake and creates a feeling of fullness with smaller meals. It is considered a relatively safer and less invasive procedure compared to other bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. However, it’s important to note that long-term success with gastric banding requires strict adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as regular follow-up appointments for band adjustments and monitoring.
What Is The Complications in Gastric Banding Surgery?
Gastric banding surgery, also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or lap band surgery, is a type of weight loss surgery that involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to restrict food intake. While it is generally considered safer than some other weight loss procedures, there can still be potential complications. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for comprehensive and personalized information. Here are some possible complications associated with gastric banding surgery:
Infection: There is a risk of infection at the site of the incisions or around the gastric band. Symptoms of infection may include redness, swelling, pain, fever, or drainage from the incision sites.
Band slippage or migration: In some cases, the gastric band may slip out of its original position or migrate to another part of the stomach. This can result in problems such as obstruction or reduced effectiveness of the procedure.
Gastric band erosion: In rare cases, the gastric band may erode into the stomach tissue. This can lead to complications such as infection, ulcers, or perforation of the stomach.
Difficulty swallowing or food intolerance: Some individuals may experience difficulty swallowing or have problems tolerating certain foods after gastric banding surgery. This can be due to the presence of the band or issues with the adjustment of the band’s tightness.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastric banding surgery can sometimes contribute to or worsen symptoms of GERD, including heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
Band-related complications: The gastric band itself may require adjustments or, in some cases, removal due to complications such as band slippage, erosion, or intolerance. Additional surgeries may be needed to address these issues.
Blood clots: Surgery, in general, carries a risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). Steps are typically taken to minimize this risk, such as using compression devices and administering blood-thinning medications.
Nutritional deficiencies: After gastric banding surgery, individuals may need to follow specific dietary guidelines to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. However, there is a risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, such as deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, if dietary recommendations are not followed closely or if malabsorption occurs.
It’s important to note that these complications are potential risks associated with gastric banding surgery, but not everyone will experience them. The overall success and safety of the procedure depend on various factors, including the individual’s overall health, adherence to post-operative guidelines, and the experience and skill of the surgical team. Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional can provide you with more accurate and personalized information based on your specific situation.
Top Best Gastric Band Clinics
Apera Health Group
Apera Health Group is a renowned health tourism organization that specializes in bariatric surgery and has received accreditation from prominent healthcare institutions worldwide. With an impressive record of 50,000 satisfied patients, Apera Health Group operates numerous healthcare centers in Turkey and Europe.
Situated in the heart of Turkey, Apera Prime Hospital in Istanbul offers a comprehensive range of treatments and services. Apera ensure a seamless experience for Apera patients by providing transfers between the airport, hotel, and hospital using our luxurious VIP fleet. Apera transportation services comply with both local and international regulations, establishing a foundation of trust with Apera patients.
Namık Yılmaz Clinic Antalya
Namık Yılmaz Obesity Surgery is a renowned medical facility located in the beautiful city of Antalya, Turkey. The clinic offers world-class services to patients from all over the globe, boasting a team of experienced doctors who are proficient in foreign languages. Antalya, easily accessible through direct flights from various European and Asian countries, serves as an ideal location for the clinic.
Namık Yılmaz Obesity Surgery ensures a seamless experience for its patients by providing airport transfers, arranging accommodations, and delivering precise and successful treatment. The clinic’s dedicated guides are readily available to assist patients and their families, ensuring a healthy and pleasant journey back home.
Led by the esteemed medical professional, Surgeon Namık Yılmaz, the clinic specializes in Bariatric Surgery and has achieved significant success both in Turkey and Europe. Patients can expect a safe and comfortable treatment under the expert supervision of Surgeon Namık Yılmaz.
Assoc Dr. Umut Rıza Gündüz
After completing a challenging educational process at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty and starting my General Surgery Assistantship at Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital in 2005, I became a General Surgery Specialist in 2010. Throughout my assistantship in general surgery, I participated in numerous surgeries and performed a great number of operations. My interest and passion for laparoscopic surgery developed during my assistantship.
During my over 10-year tenure at Antalya Training and Research Hospital, I mainly focused on cancer and obesity surgeries. I aimed to perform more laparoscopic surgeries. Additionally, I received domestic and international training in obesity surgery, robotic surgery, and advanced endoscopic procedures. My fascination with technology increased my enjoyment of robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and advanced endoscopic applications.
My curiosity about medical literature gradually led me from reading scientific articles to the stage of writing them. Together with my colleagues and fellow resident doctors, I have contributed to numerous medical articles. By writing and contributing to medical articles, I successfully passed the first stage of my Associate Professorship application and obtained the title of Associate Professor in November 2017.
As a clinical training instructor, I have performed numerous specialized surgeries and had the opportunity to contribute to the education of my fellow resident doctors. In August 2021, due to personal reasons, I had to leave Antalya Training and Research Hospital where I worked with pleasure. In the same year, I started working at Özel Termessos Hospital. While primarily focusing on obesity and metabolic surgeries, I also continue to perform oncological surgeries. Professionally, it makes me happy to enhance my interest in laparoscopic surgery in the field of obesity and metabolic surgery.
With the support of the management at Özel Termessos Hospital, we have made significant progress in health tourism within a year. I am grateful to the management of Özel Termessos Hospital and all its employees for this. As of September 2022, I was honored with a position on the Board of Directors and became a Manager at Özel Termessos Hospital where I have been working. Although I have moved to my private clinic, I continue to perform my surgeries at Özel Termessos Hospital.
Op. Dr. Feridun Elmas
Dr. Feridun Elmas, born in Konya, is a highly experienced plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon. He pursued his education at Istanbul Marmara University Faculty of Medicine after completing his primary education in Konya’s Ereğli district and high school education at Science High School. During his time at university, he had the opportunity to observe neurogenetic laboratory studies at Yale University School of Medicine, renowned as one of the world’s top universities. Dr. Elmas gained valuable experience by performing numerous surgeries while specializing in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Ankara Dış Kapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital. He actively participated in various congresses, workshops, and conferences, presenting his work and publishing in national and international journals. Following the completion of his residency, Dr. Elmas fulfilled his state service obligation by working in Burdur, where he performed plastic surgery procedures on both domestic and international patients.
Dr. Feridun Elmas is a proud member of esteemed organizations such as ISAPS (The International Society of Plastic Surgery), Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Association (TPRECD), and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Association (EPCD). He currently welcomes patients at his private clinic in Antalya Konyaaltı, where he provides exceptional care and expertise in the field of plastic surgery.
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