Laparoscopic Banding (Lap band surgery)
Description
A surgery that helps patients lose weight. The surgeon inserts a band around the upper part of the stomach creating a small pouch. This procedure makes the stomach smaller causing patients to feel full after eating small amounts of food. The procedure has been demonstrated to help patients lose weight, but has also been associated with lower rates of diabetes type 2 and in some patients their diabetes has gone into remission after the surgery. There are multiple different types of bands. Some are adjustable by adding or removing fluid from the band through a valve under the skin.
Cost
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Common Complications
Complications include: injury to the stomach, chronic nausea and vomiting, damage to the surrounding intestines, inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), heartburn, stomach ulcers, and malnutrition. Scarring inside the abdomen can result in intestinal obstruction. All surgery comes with the risk of infection and blood clots. General anesthesia runs the risk of allergic reactions or breathing problems.
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