Gastric Banding - How does the operation work? - Obesity Surgery Guide


This is a relatively quick process which takes around 45 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia.

  • First of all your surgeon will inflate your abdominal cavity by means of a small needle.  This needle allows gas to flow into the cavity which moves the abdominal wall out of the way and so gives him/her room to work.
  • He/she will then make a series of small laparoscopic incisions via keyhole surgery.  These will be four or five small
    incisions.  Small tubes will be inserted into these incisions and these allow small, thin instruments to be passed through.

    A tiny camera will be inserted into one of these tubes.  This allows the surgeon and the rest of the team to watch what is happening via a video screen.  This will help him/her to guide the band into its proper place.

  • A narrow passage is created to let the band through.
     
  • Your surgeon will place the band around the top part of the stomach and will lock it securely in place.  He/she will then cover this band by means of folding over stomach tissue which is held in place by a series of stitches.
  • The surgeon then removes the small tubes.
  • He/she will then make a longer incision in the abdominal wall to allow the access port to be placed between fat and muscle layers.
  • The incisions are then closed by a series of stitches or glue.
After the surgery you may feel some discomfort but this will pass.  The first 24 hours following surgery you will be allowed water to drink, but small sips only.

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