Adjustable Gastric Band

The Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge currently performs the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. This procedure is performed via a minimally invasive technique.

The procedure is performed by making six small incisions in the patient’s upper abdomen. A small opening is made below the patient’s upper stomach in between the blood vessels and fatty tissue in this area. This allows for a tunnel as such so that the band can be placed around the stomach.

The band which is an elastic belt approximately 10 cm. in circumference is then placed around the upper portion of the stomach and locked in place with a belt buckle-type mechanism. The lap-band is connected by a tubing to a reservoir which is then sutured to the patient’s abdominal wall muscles. This will allow for later adjusting. The procedure is performed with the minimally invasive technique using six small incisions and using plastic-sleeved trocars to hold in the carbon dioxide air which is used to free working space for the surgeon to visualize the area. Six incisions are used, one for the camera, two for the surgeon’s instruments as well as two for the assistant surgeon’s instruments as well as the sixth incision site for the liver retractor.

The patients can anticipate an overnight stay in the hospital after this form of procedure.

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, when used as a weight loss procedure, is a safe, effective approach to weight loss. Its features include a minimally invasive surgical technique, shorter stay in the hospital, and less pain. The procedure has less risks than other weight loss surgery procedures. Patients who have had the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band can expect to lose the majority of their excess weight over a two to three-year period. The laparoscopic band has an adjustable component and most people require adjustments at two to three-month intervals until a balance is achieved where there is proper restriction for the patient.

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is an appropriate weight-loss device in selected patients. Our Surgeons recommend that someone who wishes to choose the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band as their weight-loss option understands the following recommendations for success of this procedure. The adjustable gastric band works best with solid food ingestion. We recommend a diet higher in protein and porciferous vegetables for enhanced weight-loss. This procedure is considered a “tool” assisting a patient in their weight-loss endeavors. An individual will not achieve full benefit from the band if soft or liquid foods are ingested in greater proportions than solid foods. Certainly, high-calorie liquid sweets are extremely discouraged with this form of treatment.

Gastric Bypass

Surgical treatment for obesity has been around for many years. Recently, the specialty of bariatric surgery (surgical treatment for the morbidly obese) has recently undergone exciting and important advances. With advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques, public awareness of this field of surgery has grown. For a fully comprehensive synopsis of the rationale for surgical treatment for morbid obesity, please refer to the web site for the American Society of Bariatric Surgery.

Our surgeons currently perform the laparoscopic gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) as well as the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND®).

Bariatric surgery is a sub-specialty of surgery dealing with surgical treatment for the morbidly obese. There has been much misinformation regarding surgical options for weight loss. In 1992, the National Institutes of Health convened a conference at which time they agreed that in a selected group of patients who have exhausted all other means of weight loss that surgical procedures for obesity were appropriate in a center which provides a comprehensive treatment program along with the surgical technique. Patients who are candidates for weight loss surgery must be 100 pounds or greater overweight or with a body mass index of 40 kg. per metered square. An individual can have a BMI of 35 or greater if they also have significant disease directly attributable to their weight such as diabetes or obstructive sleep apnea. All patients seen at the Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge will be evaluated from both a comprehensive medical questionnaire, height and weight determination, as well as correspondence with the individual’s primary physician or specialty physician. The Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge has nutritionists and support personnel available to assist all potential patients with their weight loss needs.

The Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge provide the laroscopic divided gastric bypass as well as the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure. We have informational booklets which will inform you about these procedures so that the individual may decide for themselves which procedure is most appropriate for them. These materials can be sent to you free of charge by contacting us.

Lap Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure.

The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded.

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions.