Gastric banding surgery is a bariatric (weight loss) procedure that reduces the size of the stomach, limiting food intake. The surgeon divides the stomach into two pouches with an adjustable silicone band filled with saline (saltwater). After surgery, the band can be tightened or loosened by injecting or withdrawing saline. Adjustments are performed in the surgeon's office. The procedure is less complex than gastric bypass, but the rate of weight loss is slower. Total weight loss usually amounts to approximately one third to one half of the patient's excess body weight. Surgeons screen preoperative candidates carefully to determine if they qualify for the procedure.
Morbidly Obese
Weight loss surgery is not done for cosmetic reasons. It is approved only for individuals who are morbidly obese and whose health is at risk. Candidates must have a body mass index---a calculation based on height and weight -- of 40 or more, which translates to approximately 100 pounds or more of excess weight. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 39.9 will also be considered for the procedure if they have at least one serious obesity-related condition such as heart disease, type II diabetes or sleep apnea.
Psychologically Stable
Weight loss surgery requires the patient to alter her lifestyle and adhere to her surgeon's diet and exercise guidelines. Potential candidates are psychologically screened to determine if they are mentally stable, free of alcohol and drug addiction and able to understand the risks of the procedure. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, a good candidate for gastric banding has tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through diet and exercise, is well informed about the procedure and is committed to changing her lifestyle to improve health.
Adult
Generally, bariatric surgery is performed on adults ages 18 or older. Although gastric banding has not been approved in the United States for patients younger than the age of 18, gastric banding in other countries has been successful in extremely obese adolescents.
No Physical Contraindications
According to the University of California San Diego Medical Center, gastric banding is not the right procedure for everyone. Individuals who have a very high risk of surgical complications such as severe heart or lung disease, conditions that might cause bleeding in the stomach or esophagus, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver or an infection should not have the procedure. Pregnancy is also a contraindication for gastric banding surgery.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
- National Institutes of Health: Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
- AARP: Weigh Less, Live Longer: Strategies for Successful Weight Loss
- Obesity Action Coalition: Weight-Loss Options
- University of California San Diego Medical Center: Gastric Band Surgery: Contraindications
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