Adjustable Gastric Band
Gastric banding weight loss procedure
Like many other weight loss procedures, the goal of Adjustable Gastric Band surgery is to reduce appetite by making the stomach smaller. As with all bariatric surgeries, patients need to be prepared to make significant lifestyle changes for the treatment to be effective.
At Charlton Bariatrics, our knowledgeable bariatric surgeon can review the pros and cons of Adjustable Gastric Band surgery with you. We stand by our patients through every step of their journey.
How The Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery Works
Unlike many bariatric procedures, Adjustable Gastric Band surgery does not involve removing or stapling the stomach. Instead, an adjustable band is placed near the top of the stomach. As food is ingested, it reaches the part of the stomach above the band. The food stretches this part of the stomach, which helps patients feel satisfied with smaller meals.
One of the benefits of Adjustable Gastric Band surgery is that it is adjustable. Following placement of the band, it will require adjustments to better meet your needs. The adjustment of the band is usually done in the office and it is a relatively simple procedure.
Benefits of Gastric Banding
Adjustable Gastric Band carries risks like all bariatric surgeries, but it is safer than gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery. Some other benefits of gastric banding include:
- No cutting or stapling of the stomach needed
- Band can be adjusted in the office as needed
- Band can be removed if necessary
- Banding does not affect digestion or nutrient absorption
- Patients typically lose 50-55% of excess weight within two years
Gastric banding is recommended for patients who have had difficulty losing weight through less invasive methods. You should agree to this procedure after you have discussed the risks and benefits with a trusted healthcare professional and you are confident you can adhere to the lifestyle changes required after the surgery.
Long Term Concerns of Gastric Banding
Adjustable Gastric Band surgery was a very popular option for weight loss years ago. Its popularity has decreased in recent years in part because the surgery becomes less effective with time. This means that patients lose weight in the first few years but with time weight control becomes more difficult to achieve. Or patients found themselves gaining weight because the band caused significant limitations in the type of food they could eat. Problems such as malfunction of the esophagus become frequent with time, which can lead to poor eating behaviors and weight regain.
Lap Band is not a common operation done these days.
For more information about Adjustable Gastric Band surgery, call Charlton Bariatrics at (972) 709-7110.