What Do Stomach Bands Do?
Individuals with moderate to high risk obesity that have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone can explore alternative methods to help with long-term weight loss and an improved quality of life. One of those solutions is known as a stomach band, more formally referred to as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. To better understand what stomach bands do, our Chicago bariatric surgeons explain how gastric banding systems can aid in effective, long-lasting weight loss for the right candidates.
From a visual perspective, it can be helpful to picture a stomach band as a silicone tube, much like a belt, that cinches around the stomach to form a reduced pouch. Medically, the stomach band constricts the stomach, so the patient feels full after eating a smaller amount of food than usual. The silicone gastric banding system can then be adjusted later on as the weight loss treatment advances. This adjustment occurs through a port connected to the gastric tube under the skin of the abdomen, in which return visits to the surgeon will inject a saline solution to inflate and tighten the band, creating a reduced stomach size and decreased food intake.
Below are a few ways to further distinguish gastric banding procedures from other weight loss surgery options:
Stomach Bands…
- Help patients lose an average of one-third to one-half of their excess weight.1
- Provide a less invasive surgical option without staples inside the stomach.
- Leave smaller scars as the surgery is performed laparoscopically.
- Allow the body to digest normally without a loss of nutrient absorption.
- Offer a relatively quick recovery timeline.
- Reduce the chance of wound infections and hernias after surgery.
- Deliver an option to tighten, loosen, or remove the band to adjust the progress of weight loss and ease potential side effects, such as vomiting after eating.
- Produce more gradual weight loss results that usually continue over several years.
With that said, it’s important to speak with a highly experienced and qualified bariatric surgeon about how the benefits of gastric banding balance the possible risks and complications associated with the procedure. During a consultation, your surgeon should thoroughly review your medical history, perform a health evaluation, and discuss your weight loss goals to determine the best approach for individual treatment. Typically, FDA-approved gastric banding procedures, such as Lap-Band® surgery, may be recommended for patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30-35, plus at least one obesity-related comorbidity condition, including heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Along with creating a smaller stomach pouch, gastric banding must be combined with a healthy, nutritious diet and regular exercise to achieve safe, optimal results.
For more information about what stomach bands/gastric banding can do for weight loss, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons, please contact Suburban Surgical Care Specialists/Kane Center today.
1MedlinePlus: Laparoscopic Gastric Banding