Gastric Banding (Lap-Band)

Gastric banding is just one of many restrictive operations to help aid major weight loss. A restrictive operation makes the stomach smaller in order to restrict food intake and therefore promote weight loss.

Gastric banding is one of the most common restrictive procedures and has been approved by the FDA since 2001.

These procedures are intended for morbidly obese people whose overall health is an issue because of their weight.Gastric banding can help many obese people lose about half of their excess body weight after one year. It is typically recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. 

Those with a BMI of 35 or higher and an obesity-related health problem, such as high blood pressures, diabetes or arthritis, may also be good candidates for gastric banding.

Gastric banding restricts the size of the stomach by placing a small silicone band around the top of the stomach to create a pouch, similar to a stomach stapling procedure. The food that you eat travels into only the small pouch and makes you feel fuller much faster. A small opening in the pouch then allows the food to be transported into the rest of the stomach and intestines.The size of the pouch can also be adjusted by inflating or deflating the band, which can help reduce side effects and improve weight loss. There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach involved with this procedure. Many gastric banding procedures can be performed laparoscopically, using tiny instruments through tiny incisions. It is considered among the least invasive and safest of weight loss surgeries, with very few possible complications. Some people may experience nausea and vomiting or minor surgical complications after gastric banding, but these problems are usually mild and temporary. Gastric banding can also be reversed if necessary and the stomach tends to return to normal size. Performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting, gastric banding has a short recovery period. Patients can usually return home within 24 hours. Most patients can return to work after one week, and may begin an exercise program after four to six weeks. Most patients lose one to two pounds a week after this procedure, which is considered a safe amount for healthy weight loss. Combined with a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet and exercise, this procedure is proven to increase quantity, and more importantly, quality of life.