What is Gastric Banding Surgery?
Gastric banding surgery is an operation that will make you lose weight by reducing the size of your stomach. After the gastric banding surgery, you will be able to eat less”and therefore lose weight.
How does gastric banding surgery work?
1. Your surgeon will place an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of your stomach using laparoscopic (keyhole) tools.
2. The silicone band squeezes your stomach into a pouch so that it can only hold an ounce of food.
3. There’s a plastic tube in place that connects the gastric band to a device that allows a doctor to inject or remove a saline solution. The more saline is injected into the gastric band, the tighter it is. The gastric band can be tightened or loosened as you and your doctor determine to be necessary.
There are some very good reasons to consider gastric banding surgery:
1. Gastric banding surgery is the safest and least invasive weight-loss surgery.
2. If necessary, gastric banding surgery can be reversed, an option not available with other bariatric surgery procedures.
3. Gastric banding surgery has a low complication rate.
4. The most common problems after gastric banding surgery include nausea and vomiting, both of which can be addressed through adjusting the gastric band.
5. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding does not interfere with food absorption. For this reason, vitamin deficiencies are rare after gastric banding.
Gastric banding surgery offers a safe and reversible option for weight-loss surgery. Ask your doctor about the advantages and risks of gastric banding surgery, and consider whether it might be the best option for you.
