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LAP BAND Surgery in Dallas/Ft. Worth Information from Dr. Wade Barker
LAP-BAND surgery is a safe and effective weight loss procedure that is ideal for patients who may face a higher risk of gastric bypass post-op complications. During a thorough LAP-BAND surgery consultation at his Dallas/Ft. Worth bariatric surgery center, Dr. Barker will discuss the LAP-BAND procedure in detail and go over the risks and benefits of surgery. To learn more about the procedure, please click on the links below:
About LAP-BAND Surgery
During LAP-BAND surgery, a silastic (silicon and plastic) band is wrapped around the upper part of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch. The procedure is usually performed laparoscopically. Unlike in gastric bypass surgery, the upper part of the stomach remains connected to the lower, larger part of the stomach through a small outlet created by the band. Food passes through the outlet slowly. This limits the amount a person can eat, reduces appetite, and slows digestion. Patients who undergo LAP-BAND surgery at our Dallas/Ft. Worth bariatric surgery center will be asked to adhere to a strict meal plan. They will be required to chew their food thoroughly and swallow slowly.
LAP-BAND vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery
LAP-BAND surgery is less invasive than gastric bypass surgery because neither the intestine nor stomach is cut or stapled during the procedure. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, it is also completely reversible. Because LAP-BAND surgery does not permanently alter a patient's anatomy, it is a good option for morbidly obese patients who are hesitant to receive gastric bypass surgery. LAP-BAND may also be a safer choice for patients who are under 20 or over 60, and others who are at high risk for complications following bariatric surgery.
For more information about LAP-BAND surgery, contact our Dallas/Ft. Worth practice today.
LAP-BAND Adjustment
The advantage of LAP-BAND surgery is that your bariatric surgeon can adjust the size of the outlet created by the band. The band is connected by tubing to a reservoir of saline that is placed beneath your skin during your initial LAP-BAND surgery. Later, at our Dallas/Ft. Worth practice, Dr. Barker can control the amount of saline in the band by piercing the reservoir through the skin with a fine needle. Similar to a blood pressure cuff, the inner surface of the band inflates or deflates, changing the size of the opening between the two parts of your stomach. Changing the size of the opening is a normal part of follow-up care for patients who have undergone LAP-BAND surgery at our Texas bariatric surgery center.
Benefits of LAP-BAND Surgery
LAP-BAND surgery produces rapid weight loss in the same manner as gastric bypass surgery. Most patients who undergo LAP-BAND surgery see immediate weight loss in the first few months, and steady weight loss for the next few years. This weight loss can bring about significant improvements in health and overall quality of life.
Aside from the obvious health benefits associated with significant weight loss (including improvement in obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension), LAP-BAND surgery patients experience what can only be described as a dramatic improvement in self-image and self-esteem. This is the result not only of looking better, but of being able to fully participate in everyday activities and enjoy a more active social life.
Possible Risks and Complications
LAP-BAND surgery carries many of the same risks as the other weight loss surgery alternatives available at our Dallas/Ft. Worth practice. However, due to the less invasive nature of the procedure, the risks of LAP-BAND surgery are significantly less severe than the complications associated with open gastric bypass. As a result, Dr. Barker often recommends LAP-BAND surgery to patients who run a higher risk of post-op complications.
Possible LAP-BAND complications include:
LAP-BAND Erosion - Rarely, a band can erode into a patient's stomach. This requires an additional LAP-BAND surgery to remove the eroded band.
Other Band Complications - Occasionally, the band can lead to obstruction or perforation of the stomach. These complications may require revisional LAP-BAND surgery. Also, the pouch may stretch or the restricting band may break or migrate, allowing patients to eat too much.
Access Port Problems - Sometimes, the access port may be twisted or leaky and an additional procedure may be required to fix the problem.
Vomiting - Overeating is painful and can lead to vomiting. Sometimes, patients must be readmitted to the hospital for fluid replacement if excessive vomiting occurs following LAP-BAND surgery.
Food Restrictions - After LAP-BAND surgery, you may not be able to eat certain foods such as steak, white meat chicken, and doughy bread.
For more information about LAP-BAND surgery, contact our Dallas/Ft. Worth bariatric surgery center today. Our staff will be happy to help you schedule a consultation with Dr. Barker.
To schedule a LAP-BAND surgery consultation with Dr. Barker, contact our Dallas/Ft. Worth practice today.
