Frequently asked questions

Who can have Gastric Band Surgery?
To be considered you need to: be more than 50% above your ideal weight, be at least 16 years old, have been obese for at least 5 years, have had no success with nonsurgical dieting programs.

Is it for me?
If you are focussed and committed to losing weight the band is an ideal weight loss tool for you. Gastric Band surgery is a weight loss aid but is not a cure. The band allows you to feel full after eating very little so the majority of your weight loss is due to the effects of the band but you still need to eat a balanced diet and do some form of exercise to reach your goal. This is why we have an allied health team consisting of a Dietitian, a Psychologist and Physiotherapists to help you on your way.

How quick is the weight loss?
Weight loss speed varies between patients however most Midband patients have lost an average of 80% of their excess weight in 2 years. The average weight loss is 5-10kg per month, but once again this varies between patients. To achieve the best results exercise needs to accompany your diet.

What does the surgery involve?
Prior to surgery you may be required to have tests – such as a Gastroscopy and various blood tests.

The band is inserted via laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ surgery under a General Anaesthetic.

Dr Andrews will make 5 small incisions on your abdomen. These will be used to pass a telescope, long instruments and the band.

Once inserted, the band will form a ring around the stomach, dividing the stomach into 2 pouches. The band is not stitched to the stomach, which reduces the chances of bleeding and infection associated with some other brands of gastric band.

The tail of the band is then attached to the injection reservoir then placed superficially under the skin.

Once the surgery is completed the incisions will be closed using surgical glue and a dressing will be applied.

How long will I be off work?
Your hospital stay is generally just overnight. Ideally you should take 2 weeks off work and light duties for the next 2 weeks that you return to work. You must take at least 1 week off work.

For sports, you can swim after 2 weeks, but it is safer to wait at least 4 weeks before doing any highly physical activity including the gym.

What are the risks?
As Gastric Banding is a major operation, the same risks apply as they would to any other major operation involving anaesthesia.

There is a very low risk (3-4%) of complications after obesity surgery; most of these are only minor. Serious complications are rare and can include wound infection, stomach perforation, injury to internal organs, abdominal infections, pneumonia and herniated wounds.

In the long run, the opening between the upper pouch and the lower stomach may become too small which could cause reflux and even vomiting. If this were too happen do not hesitate to contact the practice and they can arrange for Dr Andrews or Audra to see you at your earliest convenience. The opposite can also happen, being that the opening could be too big and you could gain weight. When your portion size increases, it generally means you need to have your band filled. Simply contact the
practice and we can arrange this for you.

If you become pregnant or very ill, the band can be adjusted to increase the opening, allowing you to eat a little more to meet your nutritional needs.

What will my wounds look like after surgery?
Your wound can be red for around a week, so do not worry – remember you have just had major surgery. If you are worried, you can call Audra and she will let you know if it is normal or if you need to come up for her to review.

After a while the scars from the incisions will be very minimal, most of the times even unnoticeable. It does vary between patients, but if you tend to scar easily, you could get small scars where the incisions were made.

What can I eat after surgery?
After the surgery and the following day – liquids only, start out just sipping.

Days 3 to 5 you can drink free fluids which is tea, coffee, soup, etc.

From days 6 to 10 you should be on a puree diet.

After your appointment with Rhiannon Barnes you should be back on your normal diet but remember you cannot drink carbonated drinks.