Multidisciplinary Clinic of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery

Weight Reduction Procedures

Laparoscopic Adjustable

Gastric Banding (LAGB)

Laparoscopic Sleeve

Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic Gastric

Bypass

Intragastric Balloon

(IGB) Program

Risk of Surgery

Who Need Surgery

Choice of Procedures

Metabolic Surgery

Life after Surgery

LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BANDING (LAGB)

We adopted LAGB as our first bariatric procedure in 2002. It is a purely gastric restrictive procedure that involves the use of an adjustable silicone band placed around the upper part of the stomach by laparoscopic approach, which creates a small gastric pouch (15 ml) with a narrow outlet. In addition to the gastric band, an injection port is attached to the abdominal wall, underneath the skin. The port is connected to the band with soft, thin tubing. These bands will be adjusted after operation by injection or withdrawal of saline from the reservoir, which is accessed through puncturing the skin.

Expected weight loss:

Usually loss ~40-50% of the excessive body weight in 2 years.

(Excessive Body Weight = current body weight – body weight at BMI 25)

Advantages of LAGB:

1.	Safest procedure among all bariatric surgery; no cutting on stomach.
2.	Degree of restriction is adjustable after initial surgery; no need additional surgery for adjustment if restriction is too tight or too loose.
3.	Procedure is completely reversible; gastric band can be removed by another operation without alter the normal structure and function if the gastrointestinal tract.
4.	Faster recovery with short hospital stay; usually discharge home 2 days after surgery.

Disadvantages:

1.	Placement of foreign body inside the body; potential risk of infection, leakage , gastric erosion and displacement, may require removal if problem happens (~10%).
2.	Require frequent follow up for adjustment, need good compliance of new eating habit; may develop enlargement of stomach or oesophagus above the band if not complies.
3.	Slower rate of weight loss; among of weight loss may be less in super-obese patients or patients with poor compliance.