Gastric Band Surgery in Argentina

Bariatric surgery is a specialty that helps patients to neutralize obesity, thereby restoring the quality of life and health. Advances in the types of surgeries allow patients to gradually lose weight, eating less and no appetite.

The development of mini-invasive techniques make this surgery able to be performed through small incisions with less pain and comfort in the postoperative period.

In general, surgery is based on shrinking the stomach to decrease the amount of what can be ingested, or in skipping part of the digestive tract so the body can absorb fewer calories than usual.

Gastric band surgery or Lap Band is based on the placement of a prosthetic silicone ring around the upper stomach. In this way the feed storage area is greatly reduced and can accept only a small portion of food. The caliber of the ring can be adjusted by a ball located in its inner portion, which allows the passage of food regularly inflating and deflating the same with saline solution. These maneuvers are performed because a band is connected by tubing to a reservoir located beneath the skin. This is a restrictive procedure that leaves a "reservoir" that allows very small gastric early satiety, but does not diminish the desire to eat.

Technique: Mini-invasive videolaparoscopy.
Duration: 1 hour, depending on the patient's condition.
Anesthesia: General.
Hospitalization: 1 to 2 days.

After lab band surgery abroad

The advantages of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedure are related to the short length of stay and increased postoperatively comfort. The discomfort that may occur subsequently can be managed with pain medications.

Passed the initial recovery period after surgery, the doctor will instruct you to mobilize and walk, which promotes the circulation of fluids in the body. In parallel, start gradually with the ingestion of liquids and semi-solid foods, so that before leaving the hospital the patient may be able to meet their personal needs. Is advisable to avoid undue effort in the initial period and advised not to drive until 7 days after the operation.

Physical activity can resume after 10 days depending on the nature of the activity, and the type of surgery performed.

Post operative care after gastric band

Changes in the digestive system require changes in eating habits so that the result of the intervention is successful. The operation requires constant adjustments of the caliber of the band to regulate the passage of food, which is related to the tolerance of each patient. It is important to follow medical guidelines, which are usually these:

- Meet at least six intakes throughout the day: breakfast, snack, lunch, dessert, tea and dinner.

- It is advisable an interval of no more than three hours and not less than two hours between each intake.

- Do not drink fluids while eating. They make the person feel full before you have eaten enough.

- When you start eating solid food, chew food and eat very slowly. It is important to wait a few minutes after swallowing before putting the next bite of food in the mouth.

- Avoid soft drinks and sodas, high-calorie supplements, foods high in fat, and foods with no nutritional value.

- Avoid alcohol.

Usually, patients return to normal activity within 2 weeks after the surgery. It is recommended that women of childbearing age to use effective forms of birth control in the first year after bariatric surgery.

Alternative Bariatric surgery procedures to Lap Band in Argentina:

• Gastric Sleeve: This is a restrictive procedure as it only shrinks the size of the stomach in about 80%.

• Gastric Bypass: This surgery is performed more frequently. This method combines the two mechanisms for weight loss, although its main effect is based on shrinking the size of the stomach.

• Duodenal Switch: it combines a reduction of the stomach size and a rerouting of a lengthy portion of the small intestine.

Last Update: 05/03/2012
Note: This information is directed to support and not to replace your doctor opinion.
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the exact same result as the pictures below, since it varies depending on the patient.