What is Obesity?

Obesity is a medical word that describes a level of overweight that can or is seriously affecting health. Obesity has become a major health problem in Australia. Nearly 60% of adult Australians are overweight or obese. It is rapidly becoming the single most important cause of preventable illness and death – even more significant than smoking!

Of course, obesity has significant impact on quality of life and just doing everyday things like using transport, buying clothes, playing with children and so on.

Treating Obesity?

The problem is that overweight and obesity is difficult to reverse. Dieting programs and medication often achieve weight loss initially but this is rarely sustained. Only about 5% of people maintain their weight loss in the long term.

Weight is regained, sometimes even more than before (the yo-yo effect).

Surgery, such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is very effective in treating obesity. Over 80% of patients having surgery achieve long term weight loss and the illnesses related to obesity are cured or improved significantly. Health is restored and quality of life rejuvenated.

If you are overweight or have concerns about how your weight may be affecting your health and have tried dieting before, then surgery may be right for you.

What is Laparoscopic Gastric Banding?

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a “restrictive” procedure that reduces the amount of food eaten.

It works essentially through improving satiety (making you feel less hungry and reducing the drive to overeat).

The band is placed around the top of the stomach (see diagram below). A small stomach pouch forms above the band. As a small amount of food is eaten, it fills the pouch and a sensation of fullness is felt.

1. Small Stomach pouch
2. Gastric band (SAGB)
3. Stomach
4. Injection port

The urge to overeat is removed. The food then slowly passes through the constriction created by the band into the rest of the stomach. As this takes time, there is less hunger between meals and again less food is consumed.

It is important to understand that liquids are not restricted as much by the band so it is best if only low calorie drinks are consumed.

Advantages of the Gastric Band

A number of procedures exist to achieve weight loss. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is currently one of the most popular because it is effective, safe, adjustable and reversible.

It is performed with keyhole surgery and recovery is quick – a couple of days in hospital and a week or two at home.

• 80% — 90% Successful
• Keyhole surgery
• Long term sustained weight loss (weight loss for life!)
• Reversible – anatomy is not altered
• Safest Procedure

Am I eligible for Surgery?

There are internationally agreed patient criteria for performing weight loss surgery. They are based on body mass index (BMI).

Briefly these are

1. 40 or greater (Body Mass Index)
2. BMI 35 – 40 and associated obesity related co-morbidity
3. Patients have tried supervised dieting programs and dietary education.

If the BMI is 30-35, each case is assessed carefully on individual grounds taking into account medical history, age and family history of obesity and co-morbidity.

The best way to find out if you are eligible for surgery is to make an appointment and talk it over with us.

Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery is one of the least invasive forms of surgery. Entry points for the Gastric Band are shown in the above diagram.

What are the risks?

Laparoscopic gastric banding is the safest and simplest bariatric procedure available. Most patients are in hospital 1-2 nights and are well recovered by one week. It does not alter anatomy and is completely reversible simply by removing the band.

Complications of surgery are general as for any procedure – infection, bleeding, wound complications, clots in leg veins etc. Reported mortality is very low – around 1:2000. Depending on co-morbidities, anaesthetic risks are variable and so particular attention is paid to preoperative assessment and perioperative care to minimise complications. A major issue is sleep apnoea and the risk of post anaesthetic breathing difficulties.

Generally, any suspicion of sleep apnoea is investigated with a sleep study and special treatment established if required.

There are some specific complications peculiar to the band – erosion, prolapse port infection and device failure such as tubing fracture. These are uncommon but may require repeat surgery.

Overall, laparoscopic gastric banding is a safe and effective procedure with rapid recovery.

What should I do now?

If you feel you are eligible or would simply like to discuss this further we encourage you to contact our team and make an appointment with one of our surgeons

What happens afterwards?

Successful treatment for Obesity involves continued treatment and guidance.

We will continue to work closely with you in order for you to find a regimen that suits you and ultimately achieve your goals

© Brisbane Obesity Clinic 2008