What is Gastric Band surgery?
Gastric band surgery, also known as lap band surgery, is a type of weight loss (bariatric) procedure aimed at limiting the amount of food your stomach can hold. This is done by placing an adjustable band around the upper part of your stomach to create a small pouch above the band with the rest of the stomach below.
When you eat, the small pouch fills quickly, and food moves slowly from the pouch into the lower part of your stomach. This helps you to feel full sooner and for a longer period of time, thereby reducing the amount you eat, which leads to weight loss.
It’s important to note that gastric band surgery is not a cure for obesity, but a tool to help you reduce your food intake. To achieve and maintain weight loss, it needs to be accompanied by a commitment to a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
What are the pros and cons of Gastric Band surgery?
Advantages of Gastric Band Surgery:
- Low Complication Rate: Gastric banding is considered to have a lower complication rate compared to other bariatric surgeries.
- Lower Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies: Since the procedure does not involve deviation or removal of any part of the digestive system, it reduces the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- No Hospital Stay: Often, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning there is no prolonged hospital stay. You could go home the same day.
- Less Invasive: Gastric band surgery is less invasive compared to other weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. There is no cutting, stapling, removal of the stomach or deviation of the intestines involved.
- Reversible: If necessary, the procedure can be reversed by removing the band.
Disadvantages of Gastric Band Surgery:
- Slower Weight Loss: Compared to other procedures such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, weight loss tends to be slower and may be less with gastric banding.
- Foreign body: A silicone band is a foreign body and, in rare cases, could cause a reaction or discomfort.
- Possible complications: As with any surgery, there are possible complications, such as band slippage, which may require additional interventions.
- Side effects: Some people may experience side effects such as nausea and vomiting, especially if they eat too much or too quickly.
Is Gastric Band surgery safe? What are the potential risks or complications?
Gastric band surgery is generally considered safe, and its risks are often lower compared to other weight loss procedures. However, like all surgical procedures, it does come with some potential risks and complications. Here are some that could occur:
- Band Slippage or Erosion: Over time, the band can slip out of place or erode into the stomach, which could require additional procedures to correct.
- Gastric Perforation or Injury: Though rare, during the procedure, there could be accidental injury or perforation to the stomach or nearby organs.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site or in the abdomen (peritonitis).
- Foreign Body Reaction: As the band is a foreign object, in some cases, the body might react negatively to its presence.
- Nausea, Vomiting, and Acid Reflux: Some patients may experience these symptoms, especially if they eat too much or too quickly, or if the band is too tight.
- Failure to Lose Weight: If lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are not followed after surgery, weight loss may not occur or weight may be regained.
Am I a good candidate for Gastric Band surgery?
Determining if you’re a good candidate for gastric band surgery involves several considerations. This procedure is typically reserved for individuals who:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, often with one or more health problems related to obesity.
- Have tried to lose weight through traditional methods such as diet and exercise but have not been successful.
- Are prepared to make substantial changes to their diet and lifestyle both before and after surgery.
- Understand the risks and benefits of the surgery and are committed to long-term follow-up appointments necessary for health monitoring and band adjustments.
- Don’t have any medical conditions that could interfere with the surgery or its outcomes.
How do I prepare for Gastric Band surgery?
Preparation for gastric band surgery is a crucial part of the journey. Here are some steps you’ll likely need to follow:
Firstly, you may need to follow a special diet in the weeks leading up to your surgery. This diet, often high in protein and low in carbohydrates, helps to shrink the liver and reduce the amount of fat around your stomach, making the surgery easier and safer. You may also need to fast for a specific period before surgery.
Secondly, prior to your surgery, it’s essential to have a good understanding of what the post-operative diet and lifestyle changes will involve. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are key to achieving successful weight loss after surgery. Also, ensuring you have a support system in place can be very beneficial for the emotional and psychological aspects of this significant lifestyle change.
How is the Gastric Band surgery performed?
Gastric band surgery, also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia. Here’s a simplified outline of how it’s done:
- The surgeon makes a few small incisions in your abdomen.
- A laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a high-intensity light and a high-resolution camera at the front) is inserted through one of these incisions, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of your abdomen on a monitor.
- The surgeon then inserts the lap band through one of the other incisions.
- The band is placed around the upper part of your stomach to create a small pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. The rest of the stomach remains below the band.
- The band is connected to a port that’s placed under the skin of your abdomen. This port is used to inject or remove saline, which can adjust the size of the band, either tightening or loosening it as needed to affect the size of the passage from the pouch to the rest of your stomach.
- Once the band is in place and the port is attached, the incisions are closed.
The whole procedure typically takes about an hour, and most patients can go home the same day. The adjustable nature of the band means the procedure can be tailored to your specific needs over time, enhancing its effectiveness.
What to expect after the gastric band surgery?
Initially, you may experience some post-operative discomfort, but this typically subsides within a few days. You’ll start on a liquid diet for the first week or two, then gradually progress to pureed foods and then solid foods over the following weeks.
In terms of lifestyle, regular physical activity will become an integral part of your weight loss journey. Moreover, regular follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor your progress and adjust the band as needed.
Weight loss with a gastric band is typically a gradual process. In the first year after surgery, patients often lose around 40-50% of their excess weight. This may vary depending on individual circumstances, including adherence to dietary guidelines, physical activity levels, and band adjustments.
How much does Gastric Band surgery cost in Turkey compared to the USA and Western Europe?
Turkey offers a significantly more affordable option for gastric band surgery compared to the USA and Western Europe. In the USA, you might pay anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000 for this procedure, while in Western Europe the cost can range from $9,000 to $10,000.
In contrast, the cost of gastric band surgery in Turkey is typically 60-70% lower and can be between $3,000 to $4,500, compared to the USA and Western Europe countries. This difference doesn’t reflect a compromise on quality. The lower prices in Turkey are due primarily to differences in living costs and healthcare system structures, allowing patients to receive high-quality care at a fraction of the cost they would pay elsewhere.
Why should I choose Elara medical tourism agency for my Gastric Band surgery in Turkey?
Choosing Elara Medical Tourism Agency for your gastric band surgery in Turkey offers numerous benefits:
- Expert Medical Team: We have a highly skilled team of surgeons who are experts in their field and have performed numerous successful gastric band surgeries.
- Quality Assurance: We adhere to international medical standards, ensuring you receive the highest quality care. Our partner hospitals are JCI accredited, which is recognized as the gold standard in global healthcare.
- Affordability: We provide top-quality medical services at a fraction of the cost you would pay in the USA or Western Europe. Our comprehensive surgery packages include pre-operative tests, the surgery itself, post-operative care, and accommodation.
- All-Inclusive Care: Our role extends beyond just arranging your surgery. We handle all aspects of your medical tourism journey, including transfers, accommodations, and aftercare.
- Post-Operative Support: Our commitment to our patients continues after the procedure. We provide follow-up care and support to ensure a successful recovery and satisfactory results.
- Customized Experience: We understand that every patient is unique, so we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- Tourism Opportunities: Here in Turkey we can provide a wonderful opportunity for sightseeing and relaxation either before your surgery or during your recovery period.
At Elara, we’re dedicated to ensuring your gastric band surgery is a success and that your entire medical tourism experience is positive and stress-free.
