Gastric Banding Surgery

What is Gastric Banding surgery?

One of the least invasive and most effective weight loss surgeries available today is Adjustable Gastric Banding, in which a qualified surgeon will fit an inflatable silicone band in the region of the top of the stomach. This is done to restrict stomach size and enable healthy, managed weight loss.

Approximately six weeks after surgery patients resume solid food consumption, with the tightened lap band inflated near the top opening of the stomach to prevent overeating. Food consumed will travel slower through the stomach allowing patients to feel full sooner and reduce their appetite. Patients adjust to eating smaller portions of food, which enables them to loss excess weight when coupled with a managed programme of eating and exercise.

Who are candidates for Adjustable Gastric Banding?

To qualify for Adjustable Gastric Banding patients need to show historic commitment in attempting weight loss, such as slimming or diet programmes, but which have had no success. Patients also need to demonstrate a willingness to commit to a managed programme for better health long term. Other eligibility criteria for Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery include:

• Have a Body Mass Index measure of 35 to 39.
• Have a Body Mass Index measure of 40 or more.
• Experience health related complications as a result of obesity, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Evidence of full commitment to a weight control programme.
• Understand the risks, complications and benefits of Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery.
• Display an authentic aspiration to overcome obesity.

What are the benefits of Adjustable Gastric Banding?

The benefits of Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery extends from weight loss to positive lifestyle changes, which help patients to experience both a higher quality of life and longevity prospects. After a healthy recovery from surgery, patients:

• Learn to manage their dietary patterns in an enjoyable way.
• Have support to succeed mentally and emotionally.
• Gain control over appetite and healthy eating.
• Experience increased energy, with motivation and ability for exercise.
• See improvement in health-related conditions.
• Feel enhanced confidence in their bodies as their weight loss progresses.
• Are able to wear the clothing size they desire.
• May enjoy new life opportunities, relationships and longevity prospects.

What is involved in the Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure?

Following the administering of anaesthetic the surgeon will make a tiny incision near the stomach navel. A small laparoscopic camera is inserted via the incision into the abdomen for visual monitoring of the surgery. The gastric band is then inserted into a surgically-made round tunnel behind the stomach. Positioned at the entrance of the stomach, the inflatable lap band is safely fitted according to each patient's dimensions and adjusted using saline solution. The surgeon then seals the incisions for healthy recovery.

Recovery from Adjustable Gastric Banding

After patients emerge from surgery and the effects of anaesthetic mobility is gently encouraged. This is vital to avoid complications, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis caused by blood clotting. Patients are advised about pain control and to have a day's recovery before going home. Medical guidelines will be provided for patients to follow at home, such as diet, activity levels and how best to take care of oneself post-surgery.

Typical aftercare advice includes:

• Do not exert pressure on the incision wounds and underlying tissues operated on.
• Do take the recommended recovery time of about a week off work.
• Avoid strenuous activity and rigorous exercise for about 8 weeks.
• Follow the diet management programme provided, including details on light soft meals post-surgery.

As recovery progresses patients are monitored through medical check-ups. Gradually patients will be able to broaden their food choices, while maintaining portions appropriate to their new stomach size.

Is Adjustable Gastric Banding safe?

Out of all weight loss surgeries Adjustable Gastric Banding is considered the most painless, efficient and safest for timely, healthy recovery. Although risks, such as rejection or infection, are inherent with surgery qualified doctors are trained to minimise these possible problems. The advantages of Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery far outweigh the medical complications and shortened life-expectancy of obesity.

Adjustable Gastric Banding advantages include:

• Non-invasive key-hole surgery without cutting or stapling.
• Brief hospitalisation.
• Adjustable and removable lap band.
• Non-impeded metabolic processes.
• Fewer complications, with a speedy recovery.