Gastric Banding- Bariatric Surgery, Gastroenterology

What is Gastric Banding?

Gastric banding is a procedure that is used to treat obesity. These methods are known as bariatric surgery. This procedure constricts the stomach, aiming to make an individual feel full after eating less food than expected.

Gastric banding is a type of weight reduction procedure that includes putting a silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach to diminish stomach size and lessen food consumption.

It is endorsed for use as a weight reduction treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Why Is Gastric Banding Required?

Gastric band placement is suggested in instances of extreme obesity, when the body mass index (BMI) is 35 or above, or more than 30 if there are other obesity- related issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.

A surgical procedure may be done after different types of treatment for weight loss have failed, like lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and drugs.

Weight reduction surgery is not for individuals with:

• Ongoing drug or alcohol abuse
• Uncontrolled mental illness
• Impaired capacity to comprehend the risks and advantages, results, options, and lifestyle changes requested

The benefits of laparoscopic gastric banding include:

• Long term weight reduction for obese people
• Relatively fast recovery
• Smaller risk of wound infections and hernias after the procedure
• Reduced danger of diabetes, hypertension, urinary incontinence, and different conditions identified with obesity
• No loss of nutrient intake
• Improved personal satisfaction after the procedure

There is likewise the alternative to remove or modify the band. Movability implies that it may be fixed or loosened, for instance, if insufficient weight is being lost, or if there is vomiting after eating.

Around 40 and 60 percent of excess weight may be lost, however this relies upon the person.

Which Doctor to Consult?

A group of doctors will work together to plan this procedure to fit to your needs. Your group can include doctors in Endocrinology, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry and Psychology, Dietetics and other experts, as required.

What to expect during the procedure?

A gastric band is fitted under general anesthesia. It is typically done in an outpatient facility, and the patient can go home later that day.

The procedure is only minimally invasive. It is performed with keyhole incisions. The doctor makes somewhere between one and five little incisions in the abdomen. The surgery is done utilizing a laparoscope, a long thin tube with a camera. The technique takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

The patient should not take anything by mouth from midnight before the day of the procedure. He or she can resume usual activities after two days, yet they may need to take seven days leave from work.

Post-operative care

At first, food intake must be limited.

• For the initial few days, the diet is confined to water and fluids, like thin soups
• After a month, fluids and foods such as yogurt and puréed vegetables can be eaten
• From 4 to 6 months, soft foods may be taken
• After 6 weeks, the individual can eat a usual diet

Complications

There are a few risks related to gastric banding. These include the following:

• Some individuals may have hypersensitive responses, breathing issues, blood loss, infections, and other problems during or after the procedure. Please talk to your doctor about these complications.
• Weight loss may be slower as compared to other procedures
• The band may slip or have mechanical issues, or it may dissolve into the stomach, requiring its removal
• The port may move, requiring additional procedures.

References

• Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/298313.php. Accessed January 17, 2019.
• Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/care-at-mayo-clinic/pcc-20394265. Accessed January 17, 2019

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