Understanding Gastric Band

Understanding Gastric BandGastric band surgery is a form of bariatric surgery that reduces the storage size of your stomach to aid in weight loss. Gastric band surgery is a weight loss option for individuals who are obese or overweight and suffering from chronic obesity-related diseases.

During the Gastric Band Procedure

The gastric band procedure is a laparoscopic surgery that uses a small camera to send a magnified image of the internal organs to a video monitor. Using this image, Dr. Bass is able to use special instruments to complete the gastric band surgery without using large incisions. After making small incisions in your abdomen, Dr. Bass places an adjustable band around the top portion of your stomach. Attached to the band is a thin tube that connects to an access port just beneath the skin. The band can be adjusted (tightened or loosened) through this port by the addition or release of saline. Adjusting the band will affect the amount of food you can eat; tightening it will further limit how much you can consume, while loosening it will allow you to eat more.

Benefits of Gastric Band

Benefits of gastric band include:

  • Weight Loss. On average, individuals lose about 57% of excess weight after surgery.
  • Minimally invasive. There is no cutting, stapling or removal of the stomach or organs with LAP-BAND surgery.
  • Short hospital stay. The surgery is less invasive than other bariatric surgeries; therefore the recovery time is relatively faster.
  • Allows you to feel full and satisfied. You can still feel full and enjoy your food without overeating.
  • Adjustable band. Your gastric band can be adjusted without the need of an additional surgery.

Gastric band surgery can also improve, prevent or resolve obesity-related conditions such as:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Sleep apnea
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Stroke

Possible Complications of Gastric Band

Although the risk is minimal, there are possible complications with gastric band surgery that include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Internal bleeding
  • Stomach damage

There is a possibility that the band could slip or move inside of your stomach. While the risks associated with gastric band surgery are unlikely, many of them can be reversed with an additional surgery if they should occur. The best way to avoid complications after surgery is to follow Dr. Bass’ instructions and give your body time to heal properly.

Choosing Gastric Band for Weight Loss

With the gastric band procedure, recovery will be slightly faster than that of any other bariatric surgery. You’ll want to follow up with your doctor regularly to track your progress. Dietary and lifestyle changes will also be incorporated into your recovery so that you can fully benefit from you surgery and reach your weight loss goals.

Gastric Band is an effective choice for weight loss because it is the least invasive and considered to be the safest option. However, long-term results of the gastric band do not appear to be as effective as other weight loss procedures. For this reason, Dr. Bass believes gastric band is an appropriate solution for people who have considered other forms of surgery and still find the gastric band to be the solution that they prefer.