Weight Loss Surgery Options > Adjustable Gastric Band Systems

Adjustable Gastric Band Systems

Weight loss surgery has been determined by The National Institutes of Health to be a means to successful, sustainable weight-loss. Why, you may ask, have a surgery instead of choosing a nonsurgical option to weight loss such as diet and exercise? It has been estimated that less than 10% of all obese people who attempt non-surgical weight loss maintain that weight loss.

What is a successful means of weight loss? Adjustable gastric banding is one safe, surgical system that is used for weight loss. The band is a tool used to assist in achieving weight loss because it reduces a patient's appetite and limits their food intake by reducing the size of their stomach. But, patients are also responsible for the surgery's success. They must be committed to following doctor's orders with revised diet, exercise and follow-up physician visits.

Adjustable gastric banding is a minimally invasive surgical technique which is often performed on an outpatient basis. There are fewer risks and side effects associated with the adjustable banding procedure including there is no "dumping syndrome" (when food passes through the digestive system too quickly causing cramping, and other digestive issues) as opposed to gastric bypass surgery. The band is adjustable allowing for "relief" during times like pregnancy when the need or desire to eat more increases. In addition, the desire to overeat is reduced significantly because the band limits food consumption.

The adjustable gastric band is made of a hollow, silicone ring, which is filled with saline and placed around the upper portion of the stomach and is stitched into place. The result, a new, smaller stomach or pouch is created. The larger portion of the stomach remains below the band. Therefore, the food storage area of the stomach reduces greatly in size.

This procedure gives you the sensation of feeling full faster, therefore reducing the amount of food intake. When less food is consumed, the body takes from its own fat reserves which lead to weight loss. The size of the band can be adjusted by adding or eliminating the amount of saline in the tube.

Are You a Candidate for Gastric Banding Surgery?

You are over 18 years of age
Your BMI is over 40 or you weigh double your ideal body weight or 100 pounds over your ideal weight
You have not been successful with traditional weight loss attempts
You do not suffer from any other diseases that have contributed to your obesity
You are willing and prepared to make changes to your lifestyle and eating habits
You are committed to continued monitoring by a specialist
You do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol

The following is a list of some of the reasons that would prevent you from having gastric banding surgery:

You have intestinal issues that require you to take steroids such as ulcers, esophagitis or Chron's disease
You have a disease that may prevent you from being a good candidate for any surgery (including gastric banding), such as heart or lung disease
You are currently pregnant
You are allergic to the device's materials
You are addicted to drugs or alcohol
You are under the age of 18

Advantages & Disadvantages of Adjustable Gastric Bands

Advantages

No stomach stapling, cutting, or intestinal rerouting
Low complication rates
Low malnutrition risk
Adjustable – customized per patient
Reversible
Minimally invasive
Satiety – inducing procedure

Disadvantages

Slower initial weight loss
Regular follow-up critical for optimal results
Requires implanted medical device
Less experience in the United States

LAP-BAND® System

The LAP-BAND® System is the first FDA-approved adjustable gastric band for use in weight reduction. It was approved for use in severely obese adults with a BMI of 40 or more or for those obese adults with one or more severe obesity-related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension or asthma.

Used in more than 300,000 procedures worldwide, this simple reversible surgically implanted device has safely helped many severely obese adult patients achieve and maintain long-term weight loss.

The LAP-BAND® System is considered to have less risk than other types of weight loss procedures such as the gastric bypass surgery. Unlike gastric bypass, it does not involve stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing. Using laparoscopic surgical techniques, the device can be placed around the top portion of the patient's stomach, creating a small pouch. This offers the advantages of reduced pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period.

The REALIZE® Solution

The REALIZE® Solution is not just a surgical procedure; it's a lifestyle. The surgery is only part of a lifelong sustenance to good health and vitality. Gastric binding experts agree that ongoing support following any procedure is essential to help you lose weight and keep it off. The REALIZE® Gastric binding program may help you lose significantly more weight and maintain balanced health and well-being.

Risks and Benefits to Having Surgery

As with any surgery, there are both risks and benefits to having adjustable gastric banding surgery. Obesity is a chronic health problem that can lead to other major health issues including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes to name a few. Often, the risks can outweigh the benefits, but you must consider both sides before you decide to have the surgery.

Benefits to having surgery:

Prevention of or improvements to medical conditions caused by a patient's obesity
Surge in energy
Increased life expectancy
Increased self esteem
Weight loss

Risks to having surgery:

Blood clot in a vein (Deep venous thrombosis or DVT)
Bleeding or infection
Bowel obstruction caused by scar tissue
Leakage of fluid
Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Nausea and vomiting
Band slippage
Gallstones
Overall risk of death

May 22, 2012 - Are You Supermarket Savvy?

Please join Amy Gehrig at Food Lion for a supermarket tour. This tour will teach you how to read the food label to help make sensible choices in managing your weight. Aisle by aisle product recommendations are made.

Food Lion
10126 Old Ocean City Blvd
Berlin, MD 21811

Time: 5:30pm - 7pm

Maximum: 10 people for the tour

*Please call 410-641-3960 to register

Location: Food Lion

June 12, 2012 - Bariatric Support Group with Lynn Conboy, LCSW-C.

2nd Tuesday of every month. 6pm - 7 pm. No reservations needed.

February & March, meetings will be held in Conference Room #1.
April through December, meetings will be held in Conference Room #2.