Gastric banding has become a very common weight loss procedure and should be considered by those who are having trouble losing those extra pounds or kilos. In recent years, it has become the preferred weight loss surgery option. A device is surgically placed around the top of the stomach and acts to suppress your appetite. Because you will feel full faster, you will have no desire to keep eating. Recomended for patients whose BMI (Body Mass Index) is 35 or over.
It is not uncommon for the procedure to lead to 50-60% loss of excess weight in 2 years.
Answers to your questions
1. How much weight will I lose?
Of course, weight-loss results will vary and primarily depends on the patient being committed to new eating habits. But you can lose from 1 to 3 pounds a week during the first year. Obviously weekly weight loss reduces with time. Gradual weight loss is the preferred model anyway, and this ensures little risk to the patient's health.
2. Is there evidence of results?
Many studies have proven the effectiveness of gastric banding and it can cure other obesity side effects such as hypertension, sleep apnoeia and limit the onset of diabetes type 2.
3. Is there scarring after the operation?
No, scarring is minimal, and many patients have trouble locating their scars after about 12 months.
4. What about aftercare?
atients often choose a 2 year aftercare package, which includes 6 months surgical cover; access to a specialist weight-loss support team, unlimited band adjustments, an emergency hotline, and post-operative X-Ray assessment.
5. How is the band adjusted?
This mostly painless procedure only takes a few minutes. A registered nurse uses a fine needle which is passed through the skin into the access port to add or subtract saline. Local anaesthesia is often not necessary, but may be used.
6. How will my diet change?
Because your food intake will decrease, smaller portions of food will satisfy your appetite. Initially, you will be on a liquid only diet, then a soft food diet, and eventually you will be eating ordinary food, but at a lesser quantity than before the banding. You will be given instructions to chew your food thoroughly and follow a prescribed diet. Because the band has reduced the size of your stomach, you really will feel less hungry, and therefore over eating will bring on nausea – the ultimate food restricting feeling.
