Are there any risks I should know about gastric band surgery?

Generally, gastric bands are a surgical option a doctor can suggest to their patient if other avenues of weight loss have been spent without success. But what are they really? How do they work? What are the benefits of using them? This articles takes a look at this unique form of treatment.

A gastric band is a device that is placed around the top of the stomach and is a form of weight loss surgery. This band restricts the area of the stomach, which in turn reduces the amount of food that can be stored in the stomach.

While most gastric band surgery proves to be very successful, it will only be recommended after the patient has tried both exercising and dieting.

How does the band help?

The band is filled with silicon which makes it expand, reducing the size of the stomach. This then reduces the amount of food the patient needs to eat before feeling full. The amount of fluid in the band can be adjusted by the surgeon, although no fluid will be put into the band for around 2 months after the procedure, to give the stomach time to recover.  The level of fluid can be adjusted without further use of surgery, which is done through the use of small incisions that are made in the patient’s abdomen. Through these incisions the surgeon has access to the band via a port. It is here that additional fluid can be added or removed.

How long does the band remain effective?

After the gastric band has been fitted the levels of weight loss can be substantial, with a noticeable loss in weight over the first year. The weight loss will lessen in the second year but remain consistent, although the results vary from patient to patient and the weight of the patient will generally level off after around two years. After this, regular exercise and a healthy diet will be subscribed by a doctor or surgeon.

What are the benefits of a gastric band?

The immediate benefit is the speed of recovery when compared to other weight loss surgery. Gastric bypass surgery for instance usually has a recovery time of between 2 and 3 weeks, compared to the 1 week with a gastric band.

Gastric bands are also much safer as the stomach and bowel aren’t openly cut. While gastric bands are the safer option, gastric bypasses are by no means exceptionally dangerous and have a complication rate of between 5 and 10 percent.