The surgeons of the SSM Weight Loss Institute were part of the team that pioneered the FDA approval of the Adjustable Gastric Banding System. The second most common weight-loss surgery after gastric bypass, gastric banding is a restrictive surgery that has helped patients to feel “full” faster, eat less, and lose weight.
During this procedure, the SSM 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 about an inch-wide opening. Typically, after the band is successfully adjusted, the stomach can only hold about one ounce of food.
To adjust the band for maximum effectiveness, surgeons insert a plastic tube which extends from the band to a device just beneath the skin. Next, the surgeon injects saline (sterile salt water) through the skin into the silicone band to make it tighter. Conversely, water can be removed from the band in this manner to loosen the band. This process allows the surgeon to properly adjust the band to increase the opportunities for weight loss and to minimize side effects.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), gastric banding surgery candidates have a body mass index (BMI) great than 40, or have a BMI of 35 to 39 plus severe medical complications, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or other co-morbid conditions.
On average, patients can expect to lose about 40% of excess weight after gastric banding surgery. For instance, a patient who is 300 pounds overweight can expect to lose an average of 120 pounds after gastric banding. Please note that these results can vary widely and are based on current procedure statistical information.
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.
Key Benefits Of Gastric Banding
• Feeling of fullness – This feeling typically lasts between meals and helps patients to develop positive eating habits.
• Adjustable – This feature allows for customization of the gastric band to regulate the amount of food entering the stomach.
• Compatible with pregnancy – The gastric band can be adjusted to accommodate increased needs for nutrition.
• Minimally invasive – Gastric banding is 10 times safer than gastric bypass and does not require an overnight hospital stay.
• Reversible – If necessary, the gastric band can be removed at any time.
• Minimal side effects – This procedure rarely results in nutritional deficiencies.
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(References)
http://www.webmd.com/diet/weight-loss-surgery/gastric-banding-surgery-for-weight-loss
http://www.trueresults.com/lap-band-surgery.asp
Procedure Animation