Gastric Band Procedures

Gastric band surgery is a possible life-saving, weight loss procedure for the obese and morbidly obese. During the procedure a small band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to greatly restrict food intake, thereby inducing weight loss.

According to MedlinePlus, gastric band surgery is performed on those who are unable to lose weight using conventional methods such as diet and exercise, have a body mass index, or BMI, of 40 or higher and are more than 100 lbs. over the recommended weight. The surgery may also be indicated for a BMI of 35 and higher with medical conditions such as sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band

In the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, LAGB, procedure, after the administration of general anesthesia, two to five small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow insertion of a laparoscope, a small camera, and thin surgical instruments. The laparoscope is connected to a monitor where the surgeon views the area inside the incisions. An adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch with a very narrow opening. No additional cutting or stapling is required. Attached to the band, via a plastic tube, is a port placed just under the skin. This port allows for band adjustment. Injecting water into the port tightens the band, while removing water loosens the band.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)

Vertical banded gastroplasty, or VGB, is similar to the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band in that it also involves a silicone band around the stomach and an attached port. But in this surgery, the stomach is stapled above the band into a small pouch. This procedure has a higher reoperation rate and may result in inadequate weight loss for some, according to a study published in the August 2004 issue of "Annals of Surgery."

Weight Loss

Weight loss results for gastric band procedures vary depending on the patient, band position and lifestyle adjustment. According to the Columbia University Center for metabolic and weight loss surgery, estimated weight loss is between 40 and 60 percent of excess weight, over two years.

Risks

The University of California, San Diego Medical Center states risks associated with laparoscopic gastric band surgeries are significantly lower than other types of bariatric surgery. The LAGB surgery has fewer complications than VBG as it does not involve the additional cutting and stapling, which can lead to infection or the need for reoperation. The most common problem in gastric band surgeries is the alteration in the stomach pouch from band slippage or pouch stretching. Band erosion is another common issue. Other risks include band leakage, reflux, dehydration, swallowing difficulty, no weight loss, stomach blockage, gas, nausea, vomiting, constipation, ulceration, weight regain, gastritis and in rare cases, death.

Weight Loss Maintenance

A doctor or dietitian provide exercise and eating plans to follow once healed from the surgery. These guidelines will need to be followed not only to lose enough weight and avoid complications but also to adopt a healthy lifestyle; it is possible to gain weight after surgery.