Adjustable Gastric Band
Gastric banding is another form of weight-loss surgery that limits the amount of food the stomach can hold to help you feel “full” faster, eat less, and lose weight. During the gastric band procedure, a surgeon places an inflatable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. The surgeons of SSM Health Weight Management Services were part of the team that pioneered the FDA approval of the adjustable gastric banding system.
What Happens During an Adjustable Gastric Band Procedure?
During this procedure, an SSM Health bariatric surgeon uses laparoscopic tools to place an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. Once this part of the stomach is restricted by the silicone band, the entire stomach becomes a pouch with an inch-wide opening. Typically, after the gastric band is successfully adjusted, the stomach can only hold about one ounce of food. On average, patients can expect to lose about 40% of excess weight after gastric banding surgery.
Once in place, the band can be adjusted for maximum effectiveness. The device includes a plastic tube connected to a port just beneath the skin. Your surgeon can inject saline through the skin into the port to make the silicone band tighter. Conversely, water can be removed to loosen the band. This process allows your surgeon to properly adjust the band to increase weight loss and minimize side effects.
Gastric banding has a low complication rate and is considered the least invasive weight-loss surgery. In addition, the procedure can be reversed if necessary and the stomach will typically return to its normal size.
Adjustable gastric banding is the only bariatric surgery technique that is FDA-approved for patients with a BMI of 30-35 and at least one obesity-related condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.
Key Benefits Of Gastric Banding
This feature allows for customization of the gastric band to regulate the amount of food entering the stomach.
The gastric band can be adjusted to accommodate increased needs for nutrition.
This feeling typically lasts between meals and helps patients to develop positive eating habits.
This procedure rarely results in nutritional deficiencies.
Gastric banding is 10 times safer than gastric bypass surgery and does not require an overnight hospital stay.
If necessary, the gastric band can be removed at any time.
Get Started on Your Weight Loss Journey
Making the decision to have weight loss surgery can feel overwhelming. The caring and compassionate team at SSM Health Weight Management Services will help you consider all of your options - both surgical and non-surgical - so you can feel confident in your choice. Make an appointment today so you can get started on your path to better health.