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Wondering whether Gastric Banding is the answer to your weight loss struggle? Gastric Banding is a form of surgery designed to assist people who suffer from chronic obesity.
Because Gastric Banding is a temporary and invasive procedure, it's not a long term solution to staying slim, but it can help in the initial stages of weight loss. So what exactly does Gastric Banding involve, and what are the risks to your health?
Gastric Banding is a procedure whereby the surgeon places a band around the centre of your stomach, dividing it into two smaller pouches. This configuration prevents individuals from eating a lot of food at once, meaning that calories are consumed in smaller portions and that intake is spread out over the course of the day.
The surgeon can adjust the band by adding or removing fluid via a plastic tube called the access port. The opening to the tube is located just below the skin of the chest, so that the doctor can reach it easily. The tighter the band, the longer it takes for food to pass through your stomach, ensuring that you stay fuller for longer.
This form of surgery can be accomplished using a keyhole incision, which heals faster than a larger incision, and the procedure usually takes about an hour. Most people who have this operation lose an average of 95 pounds within the first 5 years following the surgery.
While the procedure undoubtably assists weight loss, there are obviously risks involved in any kind of invasive procedure. Some of these risks include the development of gall stones, complications during surgery which may require a second operation, the development of an infection around the stomach called a subphrenic abscess, pneumonia or collapsed lung tissue, infection of the wound itself, and in severe cases, even death. If you are considering having this procedure done make sure to discuss it with your doctor, who will be able to evaluate both your specific needs and the risks to your health.
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