People suffering with obesity continue to have a great track record of success with gastric band surgery. It could be an option to explore if you have tried other methods of weight management – such as diet or exercise – yet still have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over.
This is a procedure that helps you control your meal portion sizes. A gastric band is an adjustable silicone band, which is made up of three key components - a reinforcing band, tubing and balloon. The aim of a gastric band is to make you feel fuller on a smaller amount of food.
A gastric band is also sometimes known as a stomach lap band. Gastric band surgery can help you achieve your desired weight loss and improve your quality of life, but it's most effective when paired with an active lifestyle and lower calorie intake.
In a gastric band operation, the reinforcing band wraps around the upper part of your stomach to create a small pouch. This will reduce the size of the stomach – and the amount of food that will fit into it. In turn, this will help with weight loss.
The band is attached to a tube, which connects the balloon and the injection port. Your gastric band surgeon will fill this balloon with saline fluid to inflate it. The amount of fluid is tailored to each patient and can vary from 0ml to 9ml.
FAST FACTS
Expected Weight Loss: 20% Of Total Body Weight.
Surgery Time: 1 Hour.
Time Off Work: 5 - 7 Days.
Hospital Stay: 1 Night.
