About Operations
What operations are performed for weight loss?
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The commonest operation performed for weight loss surgery is laparoscopic gastric banding (lap band). If you are unsuitable for a lap band then you may need more invasive surgery such as a lap gastric stapling and bypass (LGSRYB).
How do the operations work?
Lap banding places a silicone / plastic ring around the upper stomach and a balloon inside the ring that can be inflated to vary the amount of restriction to the passage of food. By narrowing the inlet to the stomach, the passage of food into the stomach is slowed down. This restriction means that portion size is reduced, food must be chewed properly and meals take longer to complete.
In order for the band to work properly there is a need for personal commitment to go alongside the effect produced by the band. Snacking on high carbohydrate foods such as chocolate, ice cream, sweets and alcohol must be avoided. Using very soft foods to bypass the effect of the band must also be curtailed. Ideally, there also needs to be a commitment to increasing activity and undertaking an exercise programme. In the context of adopting this new lifestyle the band can be very effective.
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Another procedure called lap band gastric staple and bypass (LGSRYB) works by dividing the stomach to create a very small new stomach pouch to which is connected a loop of small intestine. The digestive juices only meet the food lower down in the small intestine so there is an element of malabsorption of food in addition to the restrictive effect of the stomach stapling. A personal commitment to eating healthily and undertaking exercise is required for continued success. Continued snacking on foods high in carbohydrates or use of very soft foods can lead to poor results.
