Gastric banding is a surgical procedure to treat obesity. These kinds of interventions are known as bariatric surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon constricts the stomach so that a person feels full after eating less food than usual.
Key points about gastric banding surgery:-
- Gastric band surgery is a type of weight loss or bariatric surgery.
- It’s a minimally invasive procedure that decreases the size of the stomach to reduce food intake.
- It involves placing an inflatable band around the top of the stomach, resulting in a person feeling fuller with less food intake.
- It’s essential for the patient to follow a strict liquid-only diet with the gradual reintroduction of soft foods for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
- Gastric banding can result in significant weight loss and improve diabetes, but weight loss varies greatly.
Gastric band surgery is a type of weight loss surgery during which the surgeon places a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to decrease stomach size and reduce food intake. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves it as a weight-loss treatment.
This surgery is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia. Usually, it’s performed on an outpatient basis which means the patient goes home the same day after a few hours of the surgery.
Gastric banding surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed through keyhole incisions. The surgeon makes between 1 to 5 minor cuts in the abdomen and completes the surgery using a laparoscope.
A laparoscope is a long thin tube with a camera. This surgical procedure takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.
The patient is advised not to eat from midnight before the day of the surgery. Most people can resume most normal activities within 2 days of the surgery, but they may need to take a week off from work.
- Fewer chances of complications
- No division of the stomach or intestines
- Daycare procedure where the patient can go home the same day of surgery
- The band can be removed if needed
- Has the lowest risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Has a high rate of reoperation
- Requires a foreign implant to remain in the body
- Can cause swallowing and enlargement of the oesophagus
- The band may need several adjustments and monthly office during the first year
- Slower and less weight loss as compared to other surgical procedures
- High risk of band movement or damage to the stomach over time
