Are you considering gastric banding for weight loss? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the surgery, the risks and the benefits.
If you’re looking for a weight loss solution, you may have heard of gastric banding. This surgical procedure can help reduce the size of your stomach and restrict the amount of food you can eat. However, there are risks and benefits to consider before making a decision. This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need about gastric banding.
WHAT IS GASTRIC BANDING PROCEDURE?
Gastric banding is a surgical procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch above the band, which limits the amount of food you can eat at each meal. The band can be adjusted to your individual needs to help you achieve and maintain healthy weight loss. However, it is important to note that this procedure is not a quick fix and requires a long-term commitment to diet and exercise to achieve lasting results.
HOW DOES GASTRIC BANDING WORK?
Gastric banding is a weight loss surgery procedure in which an inflatable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This band restricts food intake and makes you feel full after eating small amounts of food.
The band is made from an elastomeric material similar to latex. It is placed around the top of the stomach, just below the oesophagus.
The surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen and insert a hollow needle with a tiny tube attached into your stomach. The needle is then used to place the band around the stomach wall. The tube is then removed and replaced with another tube connected to an access port under the skin, which allows access to the inside of the stomach.
When you eat, food passes through this port into your stomach to mix with digestive enzymes and fluids before leaving through another tube connected to the port at the top of your abdomen.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR GASTRIC BANDING PROCEDURE?
People with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI over 35 with obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea may be good candidates for gastric banding. However, each case is unique and it is important to discuss with your doctor whether this procedure is right for you. People with a history of eating disorders or who are not prepared to make long-term lifestyle changes may not be good candidates for this procedure.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF GASTRIC BANDING PROCEDURE?
Like any surgical procedure, gastric banding carries risks, including complications from anaesthesia, infection, bleeding and digestive problems. However, the benefits can be significant for people suffering from obesity, including significant weight loss, improved general health and reduced risk of obesity-related diseases. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of this procedure with your doctor before making a decision.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR GASTRIC BANDING PROCEDURE AND WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER SURGERY?
Before the gastric banding procedure, your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare, including following a specific diet and stopping certain medications. After surgery, you will need to follow a strict diet and exercise regularly to maximise your weight loss results. You will also need to have regular follow-up visits with your doctor to monitor your health and adjust the band if necessary. It is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions to ensure a safe recovery and optimal results.
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F.A.Q
Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a surgical procedure that helps extremely obese people lose weight and keep it off. The main types of bariatric surgery are:
- Laparoscopic gastric banding: This involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to reduce its size and help you feel fuller sooner after eating. A small silicone tube, or dilatation port, is placed under the skin of the abdomen to inflate and deflate the band. The band can be used for people with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 (or 35 if there are comorbidities), or a BMI over 35 and comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes or obstructive sleep apnoea.
- Gastric bypass: In this procedure, a small pouch is created from part of the stomach so that food bypasses most of the small intestine and goes directly to the large intestine, where it can be absorbed more quickly than usual. The pouch is connected to one end of the bile duct (which carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder), while the other end is connected to an opening in the small intestine, just beyond where most digestion takes place.
Most patients can leave hospital a day or two after the procedure. Full recovery may take several weeks, during which time a special diet is recommended.
People who benefit most from gastric banding are generally those who are prepared to commit to ongoing medical monitoring make significant lifestyle changes and follow dietary and nutritional advice.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight for adult men and women.
BMI is a reliable indicator of body fat for most people, but it is not always the best measure for some athletes and other very muscular people. What’s more, BMI is calculated differently for children and teenagers than it is for adults. BMI is calculated differently for children.
WHAT IS BMI?
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (kg/m2). It uses the metric system, also known as SI units (Système International d’Unités).
BMI CATEGORIES:
BMI categories are determined by weight-for-height ranges, using standard formulae developed by Belgian statistician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s and subsequently refined by the National Institute of Health to arrive at current standards. Use these tables to find your BMI category:
The gastric band is reversible, meaning that it can be removed if necessary. However, weight loss ultimately depends on adherence to diet and medical recommendations after the band is fitted.
The decision to have adjustable gastric banding should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who will assess your health, medical history and motivation to lose weight. It is important to discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives before making an informed decision.
