At the European Weight Loss Centre Ltd (EWLC), in Prague, we have may satisfied customers who have undergone the Gastric Band procedure with us at our clinic in Prague.
There are many variations of Gastric Bands available nowadays, and some may seem 'cheaper' in the short term than the classic Allergan Lap-Band, but the huge body of clinical evidence supports our conviction that the Allergan (Lap-Band) Adjustable Gastric Band is the best available gastric band on the market, with the most intensive clinical trial data and subsequent results, thus we assure you that chosing the Allergan Band is indeed the best choice.
The Allergan LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is a very popular and effective procedure in the treatment of persistent obesity, with over 600,000+ successful and life changing procedures having been carried out to date. These numbers simply speak volumes.
The Allergan Gastric Band limits and restricts the amount of food a persons stomach can contain, by placing a small inflatable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. This process creates a new much smaller (upper) stomach pouch which in turn limits the amount of food which can be consumed. Also, it creates a narrower stomach outlet which in turn will increase the time it takes for the stomach to empty.
The Gastric Band will also give the client a feeling of fullness (satiety, e.g. they will feel fuller quicker and for longer periods) despite eating much smaller quantities of food. This reduction in the amount of food consumed results in the weight loss we associate with the use of the Gastric Band (LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Band).
During your Gastric Band procedure in Prague, your surgeon will use laparoscopic minimally invasive techniques, (otherwise known as keyhole surgery) to wrap your Adjustable Gastric Band around the upper part of your stomach. Similar to a wrist-watch, your band is wrapped around the upper part of your stomach and then securely fastened.
Once your Adjustable Gastric Band has been placed around the upper part of your stomach, it is connected to an access port which is fixed just beneath the skin on your upper tummy area. This then allows access to your Gastric Band 'port' (to increase or decrease restriction as required) by adjusting the size of the stomach outlet as needed, by adding or decreasing the amount of saline (a sterile salt water solution) in your band via the access port (please see diagram above).
This adjustment process helps determine the rate of your weight loss. For example, if your band was too loose and your weight loss is slower or less than we would expect, then simply adding more saline solution will restrict further, the amount of food that can move through your new stomach pouch. On the other hand, if your band is too tight, then reducing the amount of saline solution in your band loosens your band and subsequently reduces the amount of restriction allowing you to eat more.
N.B. It may be necessary (but not essential) to have your Gastric Band adjusted during the first 12 months after placement in order to establish the optimum rate of weight loss, however as our surgeons (Dr Michael Vrany and Dr George Jungwirth) are recognised experts in this field, having performed over 4000 Gastric Band procedures, adjustments within the first 12 months are not usually required. If required the adjustment procedure is very straightforward and can be provided by one of our bariatric Doctors or Nurses (the procedure may be performed under x-ray and will typically take only 20 minutes).
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The normal entry level BMI (Body Mass Index) for Adjustable Gastric Band clients (also known as LAGB or Lap-Band) is 40, or 35 in people who have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, high cholesterol, etc, which will in the majority of cases, benefit directly from the weight loss associated with the use of a Gastric Band. It is worth noting here, that in common with Gastric Balloon clients, many candidates for the Gastric Band procedure will be recommended to us by their own G.P. (Family Doctor).
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Am I suitable for the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB)? Well, for example, a person who is aiming to lose 2 to 4 stone would choose the Gastric Balloon, whereas a person aiming to lose 5 to 12+ stones would normally choose the Gastric Band procedure. This question is covered in more detail on our Gastric Balloon or Gastric Band? page.
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The Gastric Band procedure is widely regarded as the safest and least invasive of all bariatric (weight loss) surgical options as it is a reversible surgical procedure (performed laparoscopically, also know as keyhole surgery) with minimal potential for complications, for clients looking to lose between 6 to 12+ stones, typically having their Gastric Band in place for 1 to 3 years.
With regard to potential side effects and potential complications associated with the Gastric Band procedure we talk in more detail about this on our in depth FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page which should be considered as mandatory reading for all clients considering the Gastric Band procedure, and of course you can fill out our 'Find Out More' section and we will send you further information, we look forward to hearing from you.
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