Lap Gastric Banding in South Africa

Lap gastric banding or laparoscopic gastric banding is one of the advanced measures for reducing excess weight in people. Lap gastric banding treatment involves banding up of the stomach in order to limit the amount of food that needs to pass down and get absorbed. This is done especially in case of people who are diagnosed with increased BMI or Body Mass Index, exceeding 35-40. The procedure is highly prevalent all across the world, and is highly effective.

What is Lap Gastric Banding ?

The band can be surgically adjusted, in order to regulate the flow of food passing down the stomach. The band, also known as Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAPG), or A Band is an engineered device made up of silicone. This silicone banding is surgically tied over the top portion of the stomach, in order to limit the food consumed. Limited food consumption will have direct effect on obesity and thus, help control excessive body weight. It is an advanced approach of bariatric surgery in which the BMI has been clinically proven to exceed 35-40. The extent of banding construction can be regulated by laparoscopic surgery to regulate slow flow of the food consumed.

Symptoms of patient undergoing Lap Gastric Banding treatment

Lap gastric banding treatment is gaining grounds because of its increasing effectiveness. However, the treatment may cause certain symptoms or complications which may need thorough medical attention. The possible outcomes or symptoms of the procedure are:

• Pouch dilation
• Band slippage, which is also termed as prolapse
• GERD
• Tubing malfunction
• Band erosion

In extreme cases like such, the candidates may have to undergo another surgery where the surgeons shall correct the malfunction.

Factors Affecting the cost of Lap Gastric Banding

In general, a lap gastric banding surgery cost may vary from $9000 to a maximum of $18,000. The cost, however, varies to a great extent and depends on several key factors, such as:

• Country where the procedure is being performed
• Type and extent of surgery required
• Type, material and quality of the lap band used for the procedure. This directly affects the cost of the band used for the operation.
• Healthcare facilities required
• Underlying (serious) health conditions, if any
• Experience and proficiency of the surgeons performing the procedure.