Adjustable Gastric Band Procedures for Weight Loss
We’ll customize the right solution for your weight loss.
The bariatric surgery program at Phoebe in Albany, Georgia, features the use of the adjustable gastric band. The band, along with exercise and diet modifications, help lose the excess weight.
The Adjustable Gastric Banding System at Phoebe
Learn more about the adjustable gastric banding system for patients suffering with obesity and comorbid conditions:
How the Gastric Band Procedure Is Performed
Lap-Band® and REALIZE® band surgery are performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, allows surgery to be performed without the traditional incision. By using multiple small incisions, each a few centimeters long, the surgeon inserts instruments including a tiny camera. The camera allows the surgeon to visualize the surgery. Incisions are made through the skin, muscle and other tissue, making laparoscopic surgery safer as less tissue is cut. Because it is minimally invasive surgery, it is generally performed on an outpatient basis without the need to spend even one night in the hospital.
Laparoscopic surgery leaves small scars and the recovery time is generally faster than traditional surgery. In May, single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) was introduced at Phoebe. With SILS only one incision is made in the abdomen instead of three or four incisions.
Follow-up is needed for the best success after adjustable gastric banding. The band is adjusted by means of injecting sterile saline through a small port which is located just under the skin. As fluid is injected into the band the opening to the stomach gets smaller which helps the client feel satisfied with small meals and not feel hungry.
During each follow-up visit, a series of questions are asked to help determine if an adjustment is needed and how much.
For more information or to find out if weight loss surgery is right for you, please call
(229) 312-0269.