Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)?

Gastric Banding uses a flexible, adjustable silicone band that is fitted around the upper part of your stomach. Laparoscopic means that the surgery used is done through several tiny incisions instead of one large incision. This minimally invasive technique has a much lower impact than traditional abdominal surgery with a much faster rate of healing.

How does it work?

The band is fitted around the top portion of your stomach, slowing down rate at which food passes through to your lower stomach. Because food flow is slowed down, you feel full faster, decreasing the amount of food you feel you need to eat. Any food you eat will be absorbed by your body just as well as before the operation, and your digestive system is not altered in any way. Weight loss will be achieved because you simply eat less. It takes only a small amount of food for the LAGB to give you a true feeling of satisfaction.

How is the band adjustable?

The band is connected to a tube which ends in a port or reservoir deep under the skin. You usually cannot feel the port but your surgeon will access the port with a small needle to add or remove saline during an office visit. When fluid is added the band is tighter and slow down your food flow. The band is made of silicone, and filled with saline. Adding or remove saline to the band adjusts the circumference. When the band is more full, it is tighter, and food is slowed down. When the band is less full, things speed up.

What kind of results will I see? When will I see results?

Individual results vary but studies have shown a 60% of your excessive weight will be lost over the first 2 years**).

Who is a good candidate for this surgery?

This information is provided in more detail on our page, "Are you a candidate?"

Who is NOT a good candidate for this surgery?

Your doctor will already have checked that you are fit for the operation and that you do not suffer from any of the following:

Your doctor will have received a list of possible contraindications to LAGB placement.

How do I arrange a consultation?

You are encouraged to discuss your weight problem with your family physician and a consultation about obesity is covered by OHIP. Referral via the internet or other means are welcome and complimentary.

How long does the surgery take?

This surgical weight loss procedure usually lasts about an hour. You will stay in the recovery room for another 2 hours before you are discharged home.

What happens afterwards?

You will see Dr. Tin one month after surgery. At which time he will likely give you a fill 3-4 c.c. of saline. After that, you will visit Dr. Tin once every 2 months depending on your personal need until you reach your desirable weight. Then future visits will be tailored to your needs. Patients who have had their bands placed by Dr. Tin will not be charged for routine fills or defills.

What about other surgical weight loss procedures?

Gastric bypass is the most common procedure for surgical weight loss in the United States. It involves stapling of the stomach and bypass of the intestine. It has high rate of complications. Gastric bypass is not offered here.

Duodenal Switch is even more radical involving resection a large part of your stomach and rearrangement of your intestinal tract and again not offered here.

Compare this to the advantages of LAGB

How long has Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) surgery been performed?

The LAGB is a revolutionary product in the treatment of obesity that has been developed and perfected since 1985, giving a great deal of data on the long term weight loss of the subjects**.

Educational Links

**References: "Sjostrom et al. Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Mortality in Swedish Obese Subjects. NEJM 2007: 357(8) Pp. 741-752)"