Gastric Banding
Gastric banding is one of the latest purely restrictive procedures and one of the first bariatric procedures that could be performed laparoscopically.
It consists of the formation of a small gastric pouch created by inserting a silicone band high on the stomach. The stomach is not cut or crushed. A system connected to a subcutaneous port is used for the percutaneous introduction or removal of fluid to adjust the caliber of the band without surgery. Since its clinical introduction, hundreds of thousands of morbidly obese patients worldwide have been treated with laparoscopic gastric banding. It is probably the most commonly performed bariatric operation in continental Europe and Australia.
How does gastric banding aid in losing weight?
It is a restrictive surgery, meaning it reduces the amount of food consumed at one time and makes you feel full earlier and for longer. Therefore, you eat less and lose weight.
What makes gastric banding special?
- Adjustability of the band, done on an outpatient basis without anesthesia, depending on your weight-loss progress.
- Adjustment is done at the doctor’s office, or using special X-ray, by injecting fluid into the band through the port.
- Reversibility: after band removal the stomach returns to normal.
- Laparoscopic placement – the stomach is not cut, stapled or reshaped.
- Short hospital stay and quick recovery.
- Unlike gastric bypass, gastric banding does not interfere with food absorption, so vitamin deficiencies are rare.
Remember: the band is not a magical tool. Only your commitment to a healthy lifestyle can ensure the success of the treatment – changing your eating habits, increasing your level of physical activity and monitoring your health. Our team of professionals will teach you all of this.