Gastric banding surgery is a type of weight-loss procedure that helps patients to lose weight. During this surgery, the surgeon will place a hollow band within the upper portion of the stomach creating a small pouch. This pouch includes a narrow passageway that leads to the rest of the stomach. This tubing is attached to an access port that is located under the abdominal wall. From this very access port, the surgeon is able to inflate the tubing with a sterile saline solution.
This is done in order to adjust the band as it is needed. It can also be tightened to change the particular size of the passageway. This allows a customized way for surgeons to tailor this weight loss surgery procedure for various patients and to limit side effects.
Advantages of Gastric Banding
In terms of weight loss surgery procedures, gastric banding is considered one of the least invasive types. This is because there is no stapling or cutting or even rerouting in the stomach or the intestines. The procedure is also reversible and the procedure can be customized according to each patient. This leads to greater success. This is especially successful for a pregnant woman.
In terms of complications, gastric banding has the least risk for complications and a low risk for malnutrition and gallstones. Patients typically only stay overnight and much return to work within a week following gastric banding surgery. This is because there is less tissue damage than that of gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries.
Disadvantages of Surgery
Experts have seen less or slower initial weight loss than patients of other types of bariatric surgeries. This may be because the band loosens and allows the pouch size to increase, which allows individuals to eat more. As with any surgeries, there are risks associated with gastric banding surgery.
Gastric banding is not a cure for obesity and patients must commit to eating right and remaining active after surgery. In terms of surgeries, many patients don’t like this type because it requires a foreign body inside of them. There have also been reported cases where the access port leaks and may cause the patient to endure revisional surgery. Also if the band slips, the effectiveness of this surgery may also be lessened. The band may also erode in the stomach wall itself and slip out of place.
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