What is a Gastric Band?
Here at Obesity Surgery Manchester, all of our bariatric procedures are done via the laparoscopic (keyhole) technique. During your surgery, a hollow band made of special material is placed around the stomach in the upper quarter, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is then inflated with a salt solution. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of salt solution. A gastric band facilitates weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. As this procedure is an adjustable weight loss surgery, the diameter of the band is adjustable for a customised weight-loss rate.
Am I suitable for a Gastric Band?
If you are considering a gastric band, you should bear in mind that gastric bands are generally only recommended for individuals with obesity and a BMI of 30 or over. Furthermore, individuals with additional obesity-related co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnoea may also be advised to undergo the gastric band procedure. Naturally, as with any other weight loss surgery we offer here at Obesity Surgery Manchester, a gastric band should only be considered once dieting and other lifestyle changes have failed to facilitate weight loss.
What are the benefits of having a gastric band?
One of the main benefits of having a gastric band is that as there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing; it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. In addition, as mentioned all bariatric procedures undertaken by Professor Senapati are done so via the laparoscopic approach, which subsequently offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. In addition, there is a significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures and also a reduced risk of hair loss. As previously mentioned, gastric banding is an adjustable weight loss surgery, which allows an individualised degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss. Over time, when adjustments are required, these can be performed without additional surgery. Finally, this procedure can be reversed and the band may be removed at any time, whereas other forms of weight loss surgery are irreversible.
What are the limitations of having a gastric band?
As with any surgery, there are always risks of bleeding, infection, DVT, PE etc. Specific possible complications of gastric banding are slippage, erosion and the port/tube related problems. In addition, weight loss may be suboptimal and less that 50% of excess weight may be achieved and you have to work with the band as well as the dietician and bariatric nurse to achieve maximum weight loss. Furthermore, patients who undergo gastric banding can sometimes develop food intolerances, in particular gastro-oesophageal reflux. In some cases it can be a certain food that can trigger reflux, however if it is a variety of foods that appear to be triggering your reflux, the band may have to be removed.
Here at Obesity Surgery Manchester, at your consultation you will have a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of the gastric band procedure. We will also discuss other bariatric procedures, including the gastric sleeve and bypass procedures, which can assist you in making an informed decision of the type of weight loss procedure most suitable for you. We have many patients who have been extremely happy following their gastric band surgery. Why not take a look at what some of our patients have to say, click on the link below to read more: https://www.obesitysurgerymanchester.co.uk/gastric-band-pl31.html