Gastric band surgery is a surgical procedure that wraps an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach. This forms a small stomach pouch above the band that fills up quicker after eating.
As a result, successful Gastric band patients:
Feel full sooner while eating
Lose between 25% and 75% of their excess weight
Improvement and curing of health problems that are associated with obesity
HOW THE GASTRIC BAND WORKS
Adjustable band wrapped around the top section of the stomach
Smaller belly ‘section’ above band fills up quicker after eating
Patient feels full sooner while eating and consumes less as a result
Gastric band Insertion Techniques
There are two techniques your surgeon can use to insert the band which are:
Perigastric Technique (PGT)
Pars Flaccida Technique (PFT)
It was reported by three different studies that the pars flaccida technique (PFT) is safer and results in a lower rate of band slippage.
Gastric band, sleeve, bypass, where and how much?
WEIGHT LOSS AFTER GASTRIC BAND SURGERY
After Gastric band surgery weight loss is rapid:
3 Month Average: About 20% of unwanted weight has disappeared
6 Month Average: About 30% of excess weight has disappeared
12 Month Common: About 40% of unwanted weight has disappeared
2 Year Normal: More than half of excess weight has disappeared
BENEFITS OF GASTRIC BAND SURGERY
long-term weight loss is possible in obese people
rapid recovery
lower risk of wound infections and hernias after surgery
there is reduced threat of conditions related to excess weight such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and urinary incontinence
no loss of nutrient absorption
improvement in the quality of life shortly after surgery in most case.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR GASTRIC BAND SURGERY
Before you can qualify, the following are required:
30+ body mass index (BMI)
If BMI is less than 40, there must be at least one obesity-related health problem
You can also be a good candidate for gastric band surgery if:
You have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, OR
Your BMI is between 35 and 39.9 and you have a serious health problem linked to obesity
Some serious health issues connected with obesity include:
High blood circulation pressure
High cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Sleep apnea
INSURANCE
Gastric band surgery is usually covered if your policy includes bariatric surgery
In the United States, the Gastric band surgery System is covered under any insurance plan that includes weight loss surgery, as long as you have the following:
Completed a medically supervised diet program
A body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 with health problems or over 40 without health issues
PREPARING FOR GASTRIC BAND SURGERY
Adequate preparation reduces your surgery risk, leads to more weight loss, & saves you some money
Your surgeon will work close together with you amid the weeks leading up to your Gastric band surgery, most of which include the next:
Encouragement on losing as much weight while possible
Make a medical assessment, including questions about your medical history, medications, and surgical history
Performing some tests like an ECG, x-ray, and blood tests
Instituting a pre-surgery diet regimen, including:
2 Weeks Before
No sugar
Lower carbohydrates
Increased protein
Increased veggies
Plenty of fluids
2 Days Before
Clear liquids, broth, one protein shake per day only
Discuss with your surgeon about whether you should put an end to taking any medications
12 Hours Before
There is no food or drink, no tobacco
RECOVERY
Gastric band surgery patients usually:
Hospital stay of up to one day
Get back to work in a week or two
Full recovery happens within 6 weeks.
DIET & LIFE AFTER
Restricted diet with supplementation
Ongoing band adjustments
Regular exercise
Personal relationships may change
ADVANTAGES GASTRIC BAND SURGERY
Reduction in the quantity of food the abdomen can hold
Gastric band surgery induces unwanted weight lack of approximately 40 – 50 percent
There is absolutely no cutting of the stomach or rerouting of the intestines
For gastric band surgery, hospital stay is short, usually significantly less than 24 hours, with some clinics discharging their patient on the same day of the surgery
Gastric band surgery is definitely reversible and adjustable
Gastric band surgery has the lowest price of early postoperative complications and mortality among other approved bariatric procedures
There is low risk for vitamin/mineral deficiencies in gastric band surgery
How does gastric band surgery compare to Other Weight Loss Procedures?
Gastric band surgery is certainly one of the best surgical procedure for weight loss & health improvement
Weight reduction differs from individual to patient
It is a reversible weight loss procedure
It outcomes in 50%+ average excess weight loss (EWL)
Highest long-term ‘failure’ rate among 50%+ EWL procedures
Risks & problems that may occur
Potential complications include:
Slippage – there is always the risk that as time goes by your stomach will change its position by moving up through the band and enlargement of the higher pouch occurs.
Erosion – very slow, especially if the balloon is heavily inflated, the band can enter either through the tummy wall and stop being effective. In this case, the band will be removed and replaced if possible.
Leakage – two of the band components can be separated because of the damage of the reservoir or tubing. This would require the replacement of the damaged part.
Infection of the reservoir/port or tubing – you may need to replace your band if infection persists. With severe attacks that are resistant to antibiotics, the band could be removed.
You may have gastro-oesophageal reflux or GER when the stomach contents are raised into the esophagus.