Gastric Band

What Is It And Who Is It For?

This procedure consists of placing a silicone band with a soft balloon on its inner side around the stomach. It divides the stomach into two parts similar to an hourglass. It is a restrictive bariatric method which helps patients reduce the amount of food they eat. The patient can eat normally but a much smaller amount, because the smaller upper part of the stomach is filled quickly and registers as full. Then the food slowly passes down through the band into the lower part.

The band is adjustable, because the size of the stomach narrowing can be regulated by filling or emptying the balloon on the band. A special access port is implanted under the patient’s skin, which makes easy access possible to the balloon when adjustments are needed. The balloon is left empty after the operation and the adjustments are planned by the doctor according to the weight loss results, the sensation of fullness and the patient’s general state.

The main advantage of gastric band is its reversibility as there are no changes in the anatomy of the digestive tract. Similarly, no changes in digestion or food absorption are made.

The band is a treatment designed for obese patients with a BMI (body mass index) over 40 or for those with a BMI between 35 and 40 who also suffer from additional problems such as hypertension or diabetes. Other obese patients who have repeatedly failed to lose weight with the help of conservative treatment can also opt for it.

(from BMI 35)

WHAT’S your BMI? Weight divided by height in meters squared (ex. 130 kg/1,75x1,75 = 42 BMI)

How Is It Done?

The operation is done laparoscopically. First, a special laparoscopic camera is introduced into the abdomen through small incision near the belly button through abdominal wall and then the surgeon performs the surgery through several additional short incisions in the abdominal wall using special long and thin instruments. A small tunnel behind the stomach is formed and the gastric band is placed around it.

Surgery

The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes from one to two hours.

After Surgery

The recovery period is short. Immediately after the operation, the abdomen may be swollen and sensitive and the patient may suffer from nausea or vomiting. Medication can ease the discomfort. Vitally important is that the client needs to learn how to change their overall diet and lifestyle. Following gastric band surgery, most patients lose weight significantly in the first year. It is also important to realise that weight loss is not the most important factor. The aim of the operation is the general improvement in the client’s health and an improvement in, or even the complete cure of some obesity related illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol level or apnoea. Considerable improvements in these and other obesity related symptoms can be expected.

It is essential to realise that the ideal results can only be reached if the client follows the recommendations concerning lifestyle, diet and exercise.

Extra

Aesthetic surgery might be needed after major weight loss – especially in the area of arms, lower abdomen and legs. The excess skin is loose and forms sagging folds which can be removed by plastic surgery; the operation will be tailored specifically for you, following a detailed consultation with the surgeon. We offer both tummy tucks and body contouring lifts.

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