What Happens in a Gastric Banding Surgery?
According to the Department of Health*, obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the UK with one in four adults affected. Obesity is not a simple problem to fix, as many people have trouble losing weight through diet and exercise.
The Department of Health* says that obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the UK with one in four adults affected. It is not a simple problem to fix; many people have trouble losing weight through both diet and exercise.
Gastric banding, also known as lap banding, endeavours to make you feel full after eating a small portion of food. It helps people to eat less and lose weight by restricting the capacity of the stomach.
The procedure is done by placing a band around your stomach to create two compartments, keeping a narrow opening between the top and bottom so that food can pass through it slowly. As there is a limited space for food, it quickly creates the sensation of fullness. Once the food passes through the opening into the lower part of the stomach, it then makes its way through the rest of the digestive system.
The procedure requires a general anaesthetic as the gastric band is fitted by keyhole surgery. The gastric band surgery lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, and requires the patient to stay overnight to recover and recuperate. If needed, adjustments can be made to the gastric band during follow up appointments depending on how much weight is lost, and how quickly it is being lost.
Gastric banding is designed for patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more, and also for patients with a BMI of 35-40 who suffer from other weight related diseases such as diabetes.
Nonetheless there are risks as well as benefits, as with all procedures, and it is important to weigh these up before proceeding. Your doctor will illustrate the risks associated with the surgery, such as the possible slippage of the gastric band, which can lead to blockages and needs urgent correction.
*Department of Health (2009). Obesity. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/publichealth/healthimprovement/obesity/index.htm
Philip Youngwood is a freelance writer who writes on a number of health issues, including weight loss treatments such as gastric banding surgery.
categories: gastric banding
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