Bariatrics Adjustable Gastric Banding - Weight Loss / Bariatric Surgery
The AGB procedure is a new and exciting innovation that will allow you to finally tackle your weight problem once and for all. There’s never been a greater opportunity to add to the quality of your life, so contact a cosmetic surgeon today. The background of Adjustable Gastric Banding, or AGB, dates back to the original gastric stapling techniques cosmetic surgeons have used to help patients lose weight. It is a relatively new procedure, but is becoming quite common.
Adjustable Gastric Banding - Are you a Candidate?
Generally speaking, good candidates for AGB should be between the ages of 18 and 55, be at least 100 pounds overweight or a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 35 in order to be eligible for the procedure. Patients should also have an otherwise clean bill of health, as any underlying and irreversible medical procedures will remove you from consideration for this procedure because of undue risk.
AGB Surgery Procedures & Risk
Although the uncertainty and risk involved with this procedure is minimal, there are risks associated with this surgery, but they are minimal in nature. The most common complication associated with AGB is the enlargement of the stomach pouch, which can occur if the stomach slips up through the band. However, modifications to the technique have been made to prevent this from occurring, and you shouldn’t have to worry about any significant risks with this extremely safe procedure.
Where AGB Weight Loss Surgery is Performed
Where the surgery is performed is a constant. These surgeries may be minimally invasive, but they are almost always performed at a hospital to allow your medical professionals to handle any unforeseen circumstances.
Anesthesia for Adjustable Gastric Banding
Anesthesia is administered in a consistent manner with this procedure. Since the operation involves implementing a device inside your abdomen, general anesthesia will be given to patients.
Planning for Weight Loss Surgery
Planning for surgery is a collective effort shared by you and your doctor. Planning for surgery usually involves understanding the procedure itself and making sure you’ve planned for enough time to recover properly.
Preparing for Adjustable Banding Surgery
Preparing for surgery involves specific steps, there are pre-op exams that need to be completed before any surgery can be performed. Specifically, these pre-op exams include an upper G.I. series, EKG, chest X-ray, gallbladder ultrasound and blood and urine analysis. Assuming all of these tests come back with positive results, you will be approved for the procedure.
How Adjustable Gastric Surgery is Performed
How surgery is performed is quite complicated. A few small incisions are cut and the band is placed inside your abdomen. The band is then blown up and the apparatus activated.
Recovery from AGB Weight Loss Surgery
In terms of post-op care, you will need to stay in the hospital for at least two days following the procedure, and there is long-term post-op management to follow as well
Adjustable Gastric Banding Questions & Answers
The day of your surgery will be filled with several different emotions. You’ll feel a mix of excitement, fear, anticipation and nervousness. These are all normal emotions, and the surgery itself will seem almost anti-climactic, as you’ll be under anesthesia.
As is the case with any surgery where you’re under general anesthesia, you’ll feel very groggy and somewhat confused after you wake up from the procedure. You’ll soon regain your faculties, however, and you will remain in the hospital for a couple of days for observation. Beyond that period, however, you should be able to return to most of your normal activities within a couple of weeks.
You should be able to pursue most activities within one week of your surgery, but the definition of “normal” tends to vary. Basically, you should be able to return to work or school in a short amount of time, but if you’re planning on taking on a rigorous exercise program after your procedure, you’ll need to work with your doctor to make sure that you don’t get started too soon.
AGB is intended to be a life-long corrective procedure. Therefore, if you follow the strict post-op guidelines in terms of diet, exercise, fluid intake and general lifestyle guidelines, there’s no reason to believe that you’ll ever need another corrective surgery for your weight.
