Laparoscopic Gastric Banding - Stomach Surgery for Severe Obesity

Obesity is the world's fastest growing epidemic. In the US, obesity is the 2nd most preventable cause of death next to smoking, while in Singapore over 4% of Singaporeans are severely obese.

Besides facing risks to long standing medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, obese people also face discrimination such as difficulty in finding a spouse or friends and poor employment prospects.

To help patients combat severe obesity, the latest generation of operation, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is now available at Raffles Hospital.

It involves placing a silicon band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. The bands makes the patients feel full quickly during meals and takes a few hours to empty. The satiety lasts, resulting in a reduction of calorie intake and drastic weight loss.

"With the weight loss, co-morbidities such as diabetes and high blood pressure are cured or improved, "says Dr Baladas, Consultant General Surgeon, Raffles Hospital. Dr Baladas is well-known for practising the procedure and has been invited to preceptor many surgeons locally and in the region.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, with less pain and shorter hospitalization.

FAQS – BARIATRIC SURGERY

1) What is Bariatric Surgery? What does it involve?
2) Why Bariatric Surgery?
3) What is the criteria for Bariatric Surgery?
4) What can patients expect after Bariatric Surgery?
5) How long does it take?
 6) How long will it take to recover after surgery?
7) What is the youngest age for which weight loss surgery is recommended?
8) What is the oldest patient for whom weight loss surgery is recommended?
9) What foods can I take or should I avoid after the operation?
10) What are the advantages and disadvantages?
11) Can I have the Lapband removed after I get to my ideal weight?
12) What are the risks?
 13) Will I have a scar?
14) Can it be covered by Medisave and insurance?
15) How much is the cost of Bariatric surgery?

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