Szinicz et al. in the mid-1980s placed silicone bands in animals. They referred to this procedure as “reversible gastric banding.” Another surgeon Lubomyr Kuzmak in 1986 reported the placement of adjustable silicone gastric bands in humans and also demonstrated its superiority over the non-adjustable band. With the advent of laparoscopic surgery, the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band was placed in a human in Belgium by Belachew et al. in 1993.1 The laparoscopic approach significantly reduced the perioperative morbidity and mortality and also hastened recovery.
Considering Lap-Band or Realize Band? Learn why our bariatric surgeons no longer recommending these bariatric surgeries, and why they are supporting the Gastric Sleeve Surgery Mexico instead.
Gastric banding has an advantage of preserving the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach is not resected as in gastric sleeve, and the intestine is not refashioned as in gastric bypass and duodenal switch surgeries. Therefore, complications due such alterations are not seen in gastric banding. The procedure is also reversible.
In the United States, both Lap-Band and Realize Band enjoy FDA approval. The LAP-BAND got FDA approval in 2001 while the REALIZE Band got approval in 2007.
These devices induce weight loss by the restrictive mechanism. They reduce the stomach capacity by dividing it into upper and lower compartments. The top pouch is smaller and receives the food from the esophagus. Once it fills up the individual begins to experience the sensation of fullness and stop eating. After partial digestion, the food is gradually released into the lower stomach pouch for subsequent movement into the small intestine.
Surgical procedure
Laparoscopic approach places both. Once the band is implanted, they are inflated with sterile water. The amount of water used for inflation of the band can be increased or reduced in both types of groups. However, the settings differ. The duration of surgery is similar in both.
Cost
No difference in cost between REALIZE Band and Lap-Band. The average price in the United States is $18,000 ($15,000-$24,000), and insurance covers both.
The percentages of excess weight loss following implantation of adjustable gastric band are similar for
Lap-Band and REALIZE Band. The average is about 40-50% of the excess weight. Different studies have also shown similar effects on comorbid conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Contact our effective patient educators who can help guide you through the entire process of getting approved for the Bariatric Surgery in Mexico.
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