Belly Band
Belly banding is a restrictive bariatric operation that basically shrinks the stomach to allow the patient to feel full faster and, therefore, eat less and lose weight. Unlike other forms of restrictive bariatric operations, surgery is a procedure that is less invasive, flexible enough to suit the needs of the patient and fully reversible. It does not require alterations on the anatomy of the digestive tract.
Reducing Stomach Size
This type of gastric banding is performed using a silicone adjustable band that ties around the top of the stomach, creating a pouch that will shrink the stomach's food capacity to about 1 oz. This gives the stomach an hourglass shape, having an upper and lower pouch that is linked by a narrow channel.
The Procedure
The belly band is usually placed using a laparoscope with the application of general anesthesia. Small incisions in the abdominal wall are made to serve as access ports for the narrow camera, which monitor the procedure. A small tunnel is created near the top of the stomach. A silicon elastomer band that contains an inner balloon is wrapped around this part, about 20 mm below the gastro-esophageal junction, and is connected via a tube to the abdominal wall. Through this passage, a saline solution is introduced through the inner balloon to inflate the band. As a result, the stomach assumes an hourglass shape. The diameter of the passageway can be reduced or enlarged by removing or adding saline solution, from which the rate of weight loss will be determined.
How it Causes Weight Loss
After the procedure, when the food enters the stomach, it immediately fills the space, which causes the patient to feel full. Then, the food exits through the narrow channel. The narrow channel causes slow passage of food, making the patient stay full and satiated longer. Hence, the combination of these effects forces the patient to consume fewer calories and effectively lose weight.
Other Benefits
Other belly band surgery benefits include reduced risks for suffering heart disease, stroke and other circulatory disorders. Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension generally take fewer medications to maintain health. It also improves conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory problems, asthma, joint pain and arthritis.
Where Is it Performed?
Belly band or lap band surgeries are typically performed in hospitals with an intensive care unit. This is strictly observed, particularly on high-risk patients. On adolescent patients, the Food and Drug Administration has approved three hospitals to perform this procedure; New York University, University of Illinois at Chicago and the New York-Presbyterian's Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital.
Tags: belly band, narrow channel, abdominal wall, , band that, belly band surgery