Gastric Band

Is gastric banding suitable for everyone?

No. If you have a particular condition, for example an illness related to your heart or lungs, your GP and surgeon may feel the procedure is too risky to carry out.

What's involved?

Keyhole surgery is used to tie an inflatable band around the top part of the stomach, creating a small pouch at the top. This limits the amount of food your stomach can hold. Food then slowly passes from the pouch into the lower part of your stomach and on into your digestive system.

Am I a candidate for gastric banding?

You could be if:

• You are 18 years of age or older.
• You have tried all other conventional methods of weight loss, such as exercise and diet, but have failed to lose any significant amount of weight.
• You don't have any medical or psychological reasons for not carrying out the procedure.
• You understand the long-term commitment to having a gastric band fitted, for example you continue to reduce your food intake and maintain a regular exercise regime.

What are the benefits of gastric banding compared to other bariatric surgeries?

• Lower mortality rate compared to gastric bypass surgery
• Fully reversible: stomach returns to normal if the band is removed
• No cutting or stapling of the stomach
• Short hospital stay
• Quick recovery
• Adjustable without additional surgery
• No malabsorption issues (because no intestines are bypassed)
• Fewer life threatening complications

Are there any post-surgery complications?

After recovering from surgery, gastric banding requires considerable adjustment to eating smaller portions, which some patients find difficult, and weight loss may be less than expected.

What about gastric banding and pregnancy?

If considering pregnancy, ideally you should be in optimum nutritional condition prior to conception; deflation of the band may be required prior to planned conception. Deflation should also be considered should morning sickness be present. The band may remain deflated during pregnancy and once breast feeding is completed, or if bottle feeding, the band may be gradually re-inflated to aid postpartum weight loss if needed.

Effectiveness

As well as experiencing significant weight loss after gastric band surgery, most patients also find an improvement in their emotional health and quality of sleep.

Find out more

If you would like to find out more about gastric banding, or arrange a consultation, contact us today on 08707 606 555, or by completing our online enquiry form for an immediate response.