1. How is the LAP-BAND different from gastric bypass surgery?
Today, most specialists agree to give priority in most cases to the Gastric Banding Method as opposed to the Gastric Bypass Surgery which is a much more complicated (and heavier) surgery. The Gastric Banding Method in combination with behaviour modification is currently the most efficient method to achieve a quick, spectacular and long term weight loss. The weight loss will be in general dramatic and fast without the tough restrictions of traditional diets. The patient can eat small amounts of all nutrients and do not need to follow any specific diet nor take any medication. He will reach his ideal weight without the symptoms of yo-yo dieting (he will not regain weight like after the normal diets). Moreover GASTRIC BANDING SURGERY is really the least invasive form of bariatric surgery with a very low complication rate. At the opposite, Gastric bypass surgery involves permanently changing the shape of the stomach by surgically reducing (cutting or stapling) it's size to an egged-size pouch, and then bypassing a portion of the digestive tract with the new smaller stomach. This type of surgery has both a restrictive and a malabsorptive effect, and unlike the Gastric Banding, it is essentially irreversible. Besides, gastric bypass patients stay in the hospital 5 days following surgery and recovery takes generally 3 to 4 weeks. After LAP-BAND , recovery is very quick, with patients returning to work within 3 - 4 days. The procedure to place the band is done laparoscopically (not a real operation like the gastric bypass) on an outpatient basis or the patient will stay 1 night only in the hospital following surgery. Another major difference is that , due to the nature of the procedure, gastric bypass surgery has a high rate of severe complications after surgery and also a significant mortality rate. LAP-BAND surgery has a very low rate of complications. For all these reasons Gastric Banding should be preferred in most cases to Gastric Bypass, namely still very much used in the U.S.
2. Is the LAP-BAND permanent?
No although it is not meant to be removed, one of the unique characteristics of this method is that it can be removed any time. In this case, the stomach will return to it's original shape once the band is removed. After the removal, though, you may go back to your original weight. But, again, the band is not meant to be removed. That's why you will never gain weight again and it's the only proven method to achieve a long-term weight reduction. When we insert a intra-gastric balloon, this balloon must be removed after 6 months. Some patients will then regain the weight they lost. That cannot be the case after the gastric banding procedure. Weight loss is generally permanent.
3. Is LAP- BAND surgery safe?
Yes, absolutely. The LAP-BAND procedure is considered as the safest weight loss surgery procedure available, offering very few complications and a quicker recovery than any other form of surgery.
4. Is this surgery performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques?
The LAP-BAND procedure is performed laparoscopically. The cameras and instruments we use offer superior visibility and access for precise dissection of tissues and associated blood vessels. The benefits of using these minimally invasive method are that patients experience less pain, minimal scarring and a much quicker recovery.
5. How much weight should I expect to lose and how fast?
Most patients lose between 5 and 7 stone during the first year, although each individual will have a unique weight loss rhythm. On average, a patient will lose about 30 - 40% of his initial weight in the first year after surgery. We can expect that approximatively, 85% of the patients will lose 80% or more of their overweight within 20 months after surgery. For example, a patient who weights 16 stone (222 pounds) will be able to lose 6 stone (90 pounds) right on the first year. Thereafter, he will lose the extra weight until reaching his ideal weight. The weight can then probably remain constant for most of his life. It is considered that a loss of 2.2 lbs a week is ideal, although one might loose even more than 4.4 lbs per week! Finally, remember that one of the big advantages of this method is that it is possible to increase or decrease the rate of weigh loss by a simple percutaneous injection on an outpatient basis. GASTRIC BANDING is the only procedure that the physician can modify for each patient’s individual needs even months and years after surgery!
6. Are there any specific food or beverages that I should not eat post - operatively?
You should not eat any dried fruits. Please try to avoid "fibrous" foods, like rhubarb, popcorn, grapes or pineapple. Nuts and seeds (walnuts, peanuts, almonds) appear to be hard to digest for some patients. If possible, avoid carbonated beverages as they can cause distension of the stomach pouch.
7.Can I expect post-operative problems with eating?
After surgery, you are advised to follow a liquid and blended food. The first 4 weeks after your operation will be a very important phase, during which you are advised to follow your prescribed diet.
The first day after surgery , drink only tea with or without sugar or still mineral water. Your total fluid intake should be not less then 2 liters/24 hours.
From day 2 to day 6 , you may drink various fruit and vegetable juices, skimmed milk and clear soup.
From day 7 to day 13 , you can start with pureed vegetables, pureed meet and mashed potatoes (all prepared in blender). Avoid stringy or fibrous vegetables and fruit causing flatulence.
The phasing –in special diet is followed by a gradual return to normal food composition, but not to pre-operative amounts of food.
It’s still important to eat slowly and chew well.
Stop eating immediately when you feel full, even if it means leaving some food on your plate.
Eating too much at one sitting can cause vomiting.
8. Is it likely that I will regain weight a couple of years after having had the Gastric Banding?
One of the big upsides of the method is that you’ll be able to keep the band for life (as opposed to the Intragastric Balloon for example, that has to be removed after 6 month!) You won’t experience then any yoyo effect and your weight will remain stable. Nevertheless, you know that losing weight is an arduous process and the operation is merely the first step in your major lifestyle adjustment and change. After surgery, we will need your long-term cooperation and adherence to our advices! You’ll have to adopt new dietary habits and exercise regularly. It is under those conditions only that the GASTRIC BANDING METHOD will keep the weight off, guarantee you never to regain weight and… will change your lifecompletely! The Gastric Banding Method is the best way to lose weight quickly and efficiently. This method does not however change the basic patient behaviour pattern. This means that the operation is not a definitive solution to the patient’s eating pattern or the problem of overweight or obesity. It however induces sustainable and long-term weight loss and therefore it leads to a healthier and much better quality of life with much less risks for secondary diseases. This is also why the U.S. national institute of health stated that Gastric Banding, when other options have failed and with behaviour modification is currently the only proven method in achieving long-term weight loss.
9 How many times have your surgeons performed the LAP -
BAND procedure?
Our surgeons have been performing bariatric surgery for more than 20 years. They are considered among the most famous specialists for Lap-Band Surgery in Europe and are internationally recognized authorities on the surgical treatment of obesity.
They have many years extensive experience in weight loss surgery. Gastric Banding is their primary interest and is currently their main surgical activity. They give many lectures around the world teaching Lap-Band surgery and offer practical guidance to surgeons from all over the world on the Gastric Banding procedure.
Our surgeons have to date performed 3000 laparoscopic operations of which over 1200 are Gastric Banding procedures .
Their Professional affiliations are:
Dr Mignon is fully registered with the British General Medical Council (G.M.C.) and listed on the Specialist Register.
Dr Mignon is an active member of many medical organizations:
-Member of TheRoyal Belgian Society for Surgery (RBSS)
-Member of The Belgian Group of Endoscopic Surgery (BGES)
-Member of The Benelux Association for Bariatric Surgery (BABS)
-Member of The Belgian Section for Obesity Surgery (SOSB)
-Member of The International Society for Obesity Surgery (IFSO)
-Member of The Belgian Society of Clinic Nutrition (SBNC)
-Member of The Belgian Society for Surgical Oncology.BSSO)
-Member of The European Society for Surgical Oncology.(ESSO)
-Member of The Royal Belgian Gastroenterology Society (RBGS)
-Member of The Belgian Society for Gastroenterologic endoscopy (BSGIE)
-Member of Belgian Group of Specialists (BGS)
10. Are the Anaesthesiologists experienced with the needs of overweight or obese patients?
Absolutely! In keeping with our commitment to the highest quality care, ELYZEA WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC uses only board certified anaesthesiologists, all of whom are experienced in treating overweight patients.
11. Are there possible complications with gastric banding?
The risk for post-operative complications is very, very low. Of course it exists,, but so does being hit by a car while crossing the street. The most important thing is not really the surgery itself. This is very straight forward and simple. The factor determining final outcome is the patient compliance. The patient has to work with the band, listen to it and behave accordingly . Patients who fight the band are not doing as well as those who are compliant.
12. What is the true success rate of Gastric Banding?
About 85-90% . There are three reasons for failure. First, patient-related reasons: some patients go over to liquid high-calorie diet (cream, ice-cream, chocolate, etc…) Second, band failure (leakage for example). Third, placement failure (surgeon error). The above situations are rare. This explains the very high success rate of this method.
13. Will I feel pain after the procedure?
All of our patients have the option to receive pain reduction medicine after treatment. Most don’t even need to use it.
14. Will I need to miss work following surgery?
Most patients are able to go back to work after 3 days. To be safe, allow yourself 5 days off.
15.Do you recommend exercising after surgery?
Have a nice walk, the first days after you operation. You can resume exercising or sporting activity after 2 month.
16. If I want to become pregnant later, could it be a problem?
Absolutely not. Actually we have noticed in most cases, that this procedure will even increase your chances to become pregnant
17. How many LAP-BAND adjustments will I need?
One of the big advantages of the method is that the physician can adjust the band according to the personal needs of the patient. If you’re hungry and you’re not loosing weight quickly enough, the band will be tightened. On the contrary, if you’re loosing weight to fast, it will be loosened. Some patients only need 1 or 2 adjustments. Others will require more. It depends on the way the patient reacts to the band and on the amount of weight loss required.
18. Must the band be filled under x-ray?
There is no difference between filling a band with saline or radiology contrast. The result is the same. The difference is just that if you decide to do an x-ray for some medical reason, the band can be seen. So it’s just for convenience. You do not really need fluoroscopy to do the filling but some doctors feel only more comfortable using fluoroscopy.
19. Will I have some excess flab all over my body and need cosmetic surgery later?
You will probably need to have a tummy tuck later. Some patients might also need a liposuction, a breast uplift, an arm lift or a thigh lift.
The specialists of the ELYZEA CLINIC (cosmetic surgery department) will give you all the information regarding those treatment.
20. What are the main advantages that ELYZEA CLINIC offers you regarding weight loss surgery?
ELYZEA CLINIC offers you:
- Exceptional standards of care and clinical excellence. Belgium is unanimously considered to be one of the best Health source providers in the whole western world and is known for its considerable high standards of treatment with affordable prices.
- Many years of experience in weight loss surgery.
- Modern up-to-date hospitals offering the very best personal and quality care with state of the art facilities and high performance surgical infrastructure.
- English speaking staff
- Very easy and cheap access from the U.K. or the U.S.
- First consultation and comprehensive aftercare in the U.K.
- Very competitive prices (less than half the usual U.K. price, less than 30% of the usual U.S. cost).
