If you’re concerned about maintaining a healthy weight, you may want to explore your options with the friendly and caring team at Valley Surgical RSV. Even though a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential, sometimes those things aren’t enough. Fortunately, you have options. Today’s technology provides the promise of a healthier future with the aid of minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Whether you’re an ideal candidate for a laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery or curious about a mini gastric bypass surgery, the staff at Valley Surgical RSV provides complete care for the residents of McAllen, Texas, and the entire Rio Grande Valley. We stay up to date with the latest surgical procedures so that we can help our clients look and feel their best. Our physicians, Dr. Luis Reyes and Dr. Ernesto Garza, have more than 40 years of combined experience, so you can trust your health and body to professionals who know what they’re doing.
The laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery is an ideal option for those who are looking for an edge-up. In the procedure, your physician will place a band around the top part of your stomach. This constricts your stomach, limiting the amount of food you can eat while helping you to feel fuller for longer. In addition, adjustments can be made after the surgery to address any changes.
What to Expect
This surgery is minimally invasive, so you won’t need to worry about an extended recovery time. To eliminate pain, you’ll be given general anesthesia. You’ll be able to sleep during the entire process, and when you wake up, you’ll be ready for the new you.
Laparascopic Surgery
Today’s technology makes physicians more efficient and allows them to conduct gastric banding surgeries with the aid of a miniature camera, which is called a laparoscope. This camera allows your surgeon to see inside your stomach and ensures that the procedure can be conducted with the utmost precision.
The Procedure
During a laparoscopic adjustable banding surgery, your physician will place up to five small incisions in your abdomen. This allows them to insert the laparoscope and conduct the surgery.
Banding
Once the camera is in place, your surgeon will position a band around the top portion of your stomach. This band separates the top of your stomach from the bottom and turns your stomach into a tiny tube. There is no need to use sutures or staples to keep the band in place, so your recovery time will be minimal. Most experienced surgeons can complete the entire operation in 30 to 60 minutes.
Before Surgery
Before you decide if bariatric surgery is right for you, you should consult with your physician. If you do opt for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, there are several things that you should know. First, you must undergo blood tests to ensure you’re healthy enough for the surgery. You may also attend classes to learn more about the procedure and see how diet and exercise are crucial to achieving optimal, long-lasting results. If you smoke cigarettes, you should quit, and it’s essential not to smoke while recovering.
Recovery Time
Because this type of gastric banding is minimally invasive, you will enjoy an abbreviated recovery time. Most people return home immediately after the surgery, resume their normal activities within a day or two, and start working again within a week. You may be on a liquid or smashed foods diet for up to three weeks, but by the sixth week, you should be able to enjoy your favorite foods again.
Easy Adjustments
The gastric banding that is used is made of a special, medical-grade rubber. On the inside of the band, there is a small balloon that can be adjusted to address your unique needs. Connected to an access port that is under your skin, the band can easily be adjusted with help from your doctor. Your surgeon only needs to insert a needle into the access port and use water to inflate the balloon. Because of this balloon, your surgeon can always make the gastric band tighter or looser, depending on your needs.
Prognosis
If you’re weighing which type of bariatric surgery is best for you, there are several things that you should know about laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. First, the banding procedure may not have as dramatic results as some other types of surgeries. You can still expect to lose about half of the extra weight that you’re carrying around. Also, you may notice that you don’t lose weight as fast as you would with some of the other procedures. It may take several weeks until you begin to see results.
If you’re ready to take the first step to a happier and healthier future, the caring team at Valley Surgical RSV is ready to help. We’d be happy to find a convenient time to sit down, discuss your options, and learn more about your goals. Feel free to contact us when you’re ready to schedule your free consultation.
