Gastric Banding Surgery
The gastric banding procedure was first approved by the FDA in 2001 and has quickly become a common weight loss procedure. It offers several benefits, one of which is that it is less invasive than most other major weight loss procedures because it involves no cutting of the stomach or bypassing of the small intestine.
Currently, there are two gastric banding systems — the Lap-Band® (Allergan Health) and the Realize® Band (Ethicon). While both bands are very similar in shape and function in much the same way, you can learn more about the differences between the two by clicking on the following links:
How the Gastric Banding System Works
Gastric banding is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that the surgeon performs surgery through tiny incisions – less than ½ inch each – in the abdomen, rather than a single, large incision.
The band, which is made of a soft silicone-like material, is placed around the upper portion of the stomach and tightened, forming two stomach chambers. The smaller, upper pouch becomes a primary receptacle for food. Because the upper pouch is so much smaller, patients will feel full on a much smaller amount of food and therefore lose weight.
One of the unique features of the gastric band is its adjustability. The band is connected to a small port just under the skin. The port doesn’t project and is virtually invisible. The port allows the surgeon or a specially-trained nurse to inject saline into the band in order to tighten it, or remove saline in order to loosen it. These adjustments are commonly called band fills and are performed on a routine basis during an office visit.
Advantages of Gastric Banding Surgery
- Because no cutting takes place in the gastrointestinal system, the gastric band offers the shortest recovery time with the least pain, blood loss and possibility of complications.
- Many of the diseases associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and sleep apnea can be resolved or improved soon after surgery.
- The gastric band is adjustable and removable.
- Gastric banding patients usually don’t need additional vitamins or supplements to stay healthy.
- This procedure can easily be revised in case of unsatisfactory weight loss.
Considerations of Gastric Banding Surgery
- A stomach port, used for refills, is required, but it is not visible by others.
- Potential complications include pouch dilation, band slippage, port issues and very rarely band erosion.
Like any surgery, gastric banding has some potential for complications; however, these problems are not common and with help from our team and dedication to a weight loss plan, most patients see excellent results. If you have any concerns about surgery, please talk to us about them and we will answer any questions you may have.
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Gastric Banding Surgery
The gastric banding procedure was first approved by the FDA in 2001 and has quickly become a common weight loss procedure. It offers several benefits, one of which is that it is less invasive than most other major weight loss procedures because it involves no cutting of the stomach or bypassing of the small intestine.
Currently, there are two gastric banding systems — the Lap-Band® (Allergan Health) and the Realize® Band (Ethicon). While both bands are very similar in shape and function in much the same way, you can learn more about the differences between the two by clicking on the following links:
How the Gastric Banding System Works
Gastric banding is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that the surgeon performs surgery through tiny incisions – less than ½ inch each – in the abdomen, rather than a single, large incision.
The band, which is made of a soft silicone-like material, is placed around the upper portion of the stomach and tightened, forming two stomach chambers. The smaller, upper pouch becomes a primary receptacle for food. Because the upper pouch is so much smaller, patients will feel full on a much smaller amount of food and therefore lose weight.
One of the unique features of the gastric band is its adjustability. The band is connected to a small port just under the skin. The port doesn’t project and is virtually invisible. The port allows the surgeon or a specially-trained nurse to inject saline into the band in order to tighten it, or remove saline in order to loosen it. These adjustments are commonly called band fills and are performed on a routine basis during an office visit.
Advantages of Gastric Banding Surgery
Considerations of Gastric Banding Surgery
Like any surgery, gastric banding has some potential for complications; however, these problems are not common and with help from our team and dedication to a weight loss plan, most patients see excellent results. If you have any concerns about surgery, please talk to us about them and we will answer any questions you may have.