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Surgical Solutions : Laparoscopic Gastric Band Surgery (Lap Band)
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If the patient is a heavy smoker, surgery should not be contemplated unless the patient enrols in our smoke cessation clinic. A two week fat free diet before surgery reduces the amount of fat around the liver. Once the liver shrinks, the operation becomes technically easier and safer.
Patients whose weight exceeds 170 Kg are asked to lose weight with the help of medications and other interventions as the procedure carries much more risk when weight is higher.
The patient undergoes full investigations including ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder where stones are frequently found. Blood tests and heart tests are done. Common findings such as a hiatal hernia causing heartburn or stones in a gallbladder can be fixed at the same time.
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