Gastric banding surgery is a bariatric procedure that involves using an implant that wraps around your upper stomach, acting like band, the implant helps restricts the amount of food that can be eaten at any one time. This procedure is commonly known as the Lap-Band procedure or the REALIZE Band, both are the official names for the implants used in gastric banding. The method in which these bands used to achieve weight loss is called adjustable gastric banding.
Gastric Banding Surgery
Gastric banding, or laparoscopic gastric banding, is a popular procedure because of its less invasive nature. Less complicated than roux-en-y gastric bypass, gastric banding is preformed laparoscopically and can be achieved without stomach removal or intestinal track changes. Gastric banding surgery is a procedure that requires a patient's full intent and dedication to weight loss to be truly effective.
Gastric banding surgery by nature is adjustable, so patients can achieve optimal weight loss by injecting or removing saline. By adjusting the band patients can change these three key factors, which affect weight loss: limiting the amount a patient can eat in one sitting, reducing a patient's appetite and desire for food and by decreasing digestion.
Benefits of Gastric Banding
The benefits of gastric banding include the ability to be implanted laparoscopically (using a several incisions, rather than one large one), it is removable, adjustable, does not permanently alter your stomach or digestive track, can be used on patients who may not be candidates for gastric bypass surgery, and it can lead to 40 to 60% excess weight loss.
Because your digestive track doesn't change, many people who've undergone gastric banding fail to lose adequate weight. This is because gastric banding requires that patients follow a strict dietary and exercise plan. Patients can eat more variety of foods on gastric banding than gastric bypass, because of this, patients can go back to their natural eating habits. Gastric banding requires the most patient motivation and dedication to lose weight.
Risks of Gastric Banding
One of the risks of gastric banding is stomach blockage. Because the band limits the size one can eat, there can be patients who eat too fast or too much and can cause blockage of the stomach. Other serious risks include infections, infections, gallstones, nutritional deficiencies, vomiting, diarrhea, blood clots and even death. Dr. Hector Perez can help patients navigate through all these risks, terminology and other questions you may have on your mind. Contact his helpful staff today.