Gastric Banding
The reversible gastric banding method works by limits the amount of food that can enter the stomach.
How it works
Emory surgeons place an inflatable silicone band around the top portion of the stomach to create a small gastric pouch. When a patient eats, food first goes through the pouch, and then proceeds through the normal digestive cycle. The gastric band limits the amount of food that can enter the stomach at one time, and creates a more immediate feeling of fullness.
Doctors adjust how much patients can eat by injecting the gastric band with a saline solution to expand or contract it. Since the digestive process remains the same once food passes through the pouch, the body continues normal nutritional absorption.
Post surgery
After gastric banding surgery, patients follow up monthly with Emory Bariatric Center to monitor weight loss and adjust the gastric band. Patients generally return to work within a week, and begin an exercise regimen within six weeks.
Gastric banding offers patients an opportunity of enjoying a lifetime of eating a variety of foods in small quantities. Food intake will consist of liquids and well chewed solids, including a limited amount of fish and meats. Continued healthy diet choices and exercise is necessary for patients to maintain maximum weight loss and maintenance.
Results
Gastric banding generally helps patients to lose between two to three pounds per week, which is in line with recommended weight loss guidelines for healthy weight reduction.
That steady weight loss may not be as dramatic as with the sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, but studies show that two years after these procedures, patients enjoy an equal amount of weight loss.
Gastric banding surgical candidates
The ideal candidate for the lap band procedure will have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 40, which translates to 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds for women. Surgery may also be an option for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 who suffer from chronic or life threatening complications associated with obesity.
Benefits of gastric banding compared to other bariatric surgeries
- Fully reversible: stomach returns to normal if the band is removed
- No cutting or stapling of the stomach
- Short hospital stay
- Quick recovery
- Adjustable without additional surgery
- No nutrition issues (because no intestines are bypassed)
- Fewer life-threatening complications
For more information or to schedule an appointment,
call 404-778-7777 or 1-800-75-EMORY
