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IBand (Banded Gastric Plication)
In the quest to offer the most effective procedures with the fewest risks, innovation in weight loss surgery has brought about the a combination of two bariatric procedures, collectively called the IBand. In essence, this procedure combines the mature gastric banding procedure, which includes the Lap-Band® and Realize® Band, with a very new procedure called the IBand. Because it is so new, there is a lack of long-term data, but preliminary results are promising, showing excellent weight loss potential that exceeds that of each of the two procedures individually.
How the Procedure Works:
The procedure begins with the IBand. Dr. Gornichec will make five small incisions in the abdomen through which all the medical devices and cameras necessary to perform the procedure will be passed. Dr. Gornichec will then proceed to invaginate, or fold, the stomach in on itself. As the stomach is folded, it is sutured or clipped so that it remains in place. The result of the procedure is a long, sleeve-shaped stomach pouch just a bit bigger than a banana. This smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food a patient can eat, making them feel fuller sooner and allowing them to lose weight.
The second part of the procedure is adding the band. A Lap-Band® or Realize® Band will be placed at the very top of this newly formed stomach pouch. As with other standalone gastric banding surgeries, the band is tightened to offer additional restriction. Preliminary data shows that this additional restriction makes the surgery even more effective.
It is likely that with an uneventful surgery with no complication, patients may be able to leave the hospital the day of, or the day after, surgery.
Advantages of the IBand:
- This procedure combines two relatively less invasive
procedures, meaning fewer risks of complication.
- The combined procedure offers excellent weight loss
potential according to preliminary data.
- The combined procedure will likely improve the disease
improvement and resolution results of each procedure individually.
- The band can be adjusted to change restriction and weight loss patterns.
- If the band needs to be removed, patients
will still have the plication to offer restriction.
- The procedure can be easily converted to a
sleeve or bypass if necessary.
Considerations of the IBand:
- Cost of surgery will be higher than that of each procedure if performed alone.
- Results are still preliminary, and there is very little long-term data on effectiveness.
- The patient will have to live with a medical device implanted in their abdomen.
- Even with the dual procedure, weight loss results
will likely not reach those of the bypass.
- Despite the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, there are still
inherent risks as with any surgery, especially abdominal surgery.
- This surgery may not be appropriate for the extremely obese (BMI > 60).
Please contact our office or attend a free weight loss surgery seminar to learn more about this procedure and the other surgical options we offer.
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