Gastric Banding

Gastric banding is a weight loss procedure that’s usually performed laparoscopically (minimally invasively). It is considered to be one of the least invasive approaches to obesity because incisions are made to neither the stomach nor the intestine. The amount of weight loss with gastric banding depends on the patients’ motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle and healthy eating habits.

Gastric banding can help you achieve longer lasting weight loss by limiting the amount of food intake.

Our team at the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence is concerned about your long-term success. We not only offer state-of-the-art procedures but we perform them in a safe and controlled environment, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. Contact us at (888) 391-0182  for more information or to schedule a consultation.

How Gastric Banding Works

The band is positioned via laparoscopy around the upper part of the stomach and divides the stomach into a small, upper pouch above the band and a larger pouch below the band. The small pouch limits the amount of food that a patient can eat at one time. This results in a feeling of fullness after eating smaller food portions.

Band Options

LAP-BAND

This is the first gastric banding system available in the U.S. in 2001. It is a pre-curved soft structure with kink-resistant tubing. The inflatable band is placed via laparoscopy around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. The LAP-BAND has two ports (standard and low-profile) that are anchored with stitches and/or mesh to the muscle wall. This band is offered in two sizes and is adjustable.

REALIZE Band

FDA approved in 2007, this band is a flexible structure with a wide and soft inner balloon with puncture-resistant protection. The band is placed laparoscopically around the uppermost part of the stomach, dividing it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The upper pouch can hold only about 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of food. The REALIZE band is the widest band available measuring 23 mm to decrease band slippage. This band has a self-clamping system that attaches the port to the muscle walls. The average weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds per week.

Both bands reduce your stomach’s capacity by restricting the amount of food you can eat at one time. There is no stomach cutting or stapling required.

Gastric Band Adjustment

Adjusting the gastric band size of the opening between the two parts of the stomach restrains how much food passes from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. The opening between the two parts of the stomach can easily be manipulated, decreased or increased. This is achieved by injecting or removing saline from the band.

A tube to a reservoir placed beneath the skin during surgery connects the band. Your doctor can later control the amount of saline in the band by piercing the reservoir with a thin needle. The ability to adjust the band is a beneficial feature of gastric banding and is typically done during your follow-up appointments.

Benefits of Gastric Banding

Since the gastric band is removable, adjustable and does not permanently alter the anatomy, it provides an option for patients who may not otherwise consider surgery for weight loss treatment.

Expected Gastric Banding Weight Loss 

The main expected benefit after gastric banding is weight loss. In general, most patients find they are unable to easily tolerate certain foods after surgery. You will be asked to follow healthy dietary guidelines, chew your food very well and swallow slowly.

The days immediately following your gastric banding procedure mark the beginning of a new journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Prior to your gastric banding procedure, it is important that you prepare for the days and weeks following your procedure. Understanding what to expect after your gastric band operation will help you to be physically, mentally and emotionally ready for the dietary and lifestyle changes that you will experience.

Best Bariatric Surgeons in Beverly Hills