Gastric Band (Lap Band)

Gastric Band Not Currently Offered

BodyFree is not currently offering gastric banding (lap banding) to our patients. We feel the significant problems and unreliable weight loss results do not makeup for the perceived simplicity of this procedure. Some patients favour the gastric band because of the reversibility of the procedure, however once the band is removed weight almost certainly returns.

Gastric banding is performed using a few small laparoscopic (keyhole) incisions to place an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. Squeezed by the silicone band, the stomach becomes a smaller pouch with a narrowed outlet that slowly releases food into the lower part of the stomach.

This Obesity Surgery procedure works by restricting food intake, and also to some degree increasing the feeling of fullness after eating.

Over the months following gastric band surgery, it is necessary to make regular visits to your Bariatric Surgeon to have the band adjusted in order to allow the correct amount of food to pass from the upper pouch of the stomach past the band to the lower portion. An adjustment involves saline being pushed into the band via a port – saline may be either added or removed from the band to enable more or less restriction to the stomach.

As explained above, Dr Joseph does not currently offer this procedure, however – they are often asked to remove gastric bands by patients who have had them in place for some time. They can perform this procedure either as a single procedure surgery or as part of a revision bariatric surgery.

Gastric Band (Lap Band) Pros and Cons

Overall, we have found that patients encounter more problems with this procedure, and it is also less effective than newer Weight Loss Surgery procedures.

Learn more about gastric sleeve, gastric bypass (single loop and Roux-en-Y) and revision bariatric surgery in Sydney.

Pros

Reversible procedure (the band can be removed)
No cutting of the stomach
No malabsorption issues

Cons

Less reliable weight loss
Ulceration
Gastritis (irritated stomach lining)
Slippage (movement of the band)
Reflux (up to 30% of patients suffer from this)

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Real Patient Experiences

Bariatric Surgeon Dr David Joseph and the BodyFree team has helped more than 7,000 weight loss surgery patients achieve their health and weight goals.

I had a mini bypass in September 2024 and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Right from the initial consult to now, 18 months post-surgery, I have been well-supported by the surgeon, dietician, and other staff at BodyFree Weight Loss Clinic. They have done fabulous post-care, keeping track of how I am going and how I might need to make lifestyle or diet adjustments. I would encourage anyone who is sitting on the fence to give BodyFree Weight Loss Clinic very serious consideration if you make a decision to go for it. I have been very happy!

I can’t thank the whole team enough, from initial consultation all the way to the operating table the process was simply and the work done was amazing. Both pre and post surgery I found amazing! Thank you Dr Joseph and all the team involved for giving me the extra push and helping me get my life back.

Recently I utilised the services of BodyFree and have to say it has been the best experience. My Surgeon was Dr Joseph, a no nonsense, tell you how it is Doctor. I knew what to expect at every part of the journey and although my interactions with him were very short and sweet, he showed empathy and you could tell he genuinely cared that my experience was a good one and all questions had been answered. All in all, if I could rate my experience higher than a 5, I would.

The BodyFree surgical team are fantastic. I was genuinely scared to go through with this surgery and the team have been nothing but helpful and caring.

From the initial contact with receptionists Heather and Bianca to consultations with Natasha, the dietician, and Dr. David Joseph, I experienced a remarkably streamlined process. The practice's commitment to providing essential information has earned my highest recommendation for exceptional patient care.

Thanks to Dr. Joseph, Natasha Leader, Bianca and Heather, and everyone at the BodyFree Clinic. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. David Joseph to anyone considering gastric sleeve surgery. He is not just a highly skilled surgeon but also a compassionate professional who, along with his dedicated team, truly changes lives for the better.

I first came to see Dr Joseph on the recommendation from a good friend. The care, support & professionalism from Dr Joseph, Heather & Bianca has been, and continues to be nothing short of incredible. Along with additional help from Natasha Leader as my dietician, my goals have been achievable. Nothing has ever been too much trouble for David or his team - they've been genuinely interested in my progress and the aftercare is impeccable. If I could give more than 5 stars, I wouldn't hesitate.