Understanding the Riks of Gastic Banding?

Answer 1

Gastric banding is the placement of a hollow, silicone ring around the upper area of the stomach that is filled with saline. This forms a small pouch above the band while leaving the lower area of the stomach beneath. The area in the stomach for food stomach is reduced since the pouch made above the band is only able to hold a small portion of food at a time. The band around the stomach limits the amount of food that enters, causing the stomach to fill up slowly. There is a continual sensation of fullness; therefore, individuals begin to eat less. It has been known for someone who has undergone gastric banding to lose up to 60 pounds over a period of two years from the time the procedure took place. The majority of the weight lost typically takes place in the first year.

Benefits of gastric banding

~A fairly safe operation

~There is low risk of more serious complications

~Least invasive procedure with no cutting or stapling on the stomach

~The anatomy of the stomach is not altered

~The band can easily be adjusted to the patient’s needs

~The band can be fully removed laparoscopically

~A short stay in the hospital is needed, usually no longer than 48 hours

Gastric banding is the second most common surgery performed for weight loss, after gastric bypass. Long term success of gastric banding will depend on the quality of care, bad adjustment and support after the surgical procedure. The cost of gastric banding ranges between $17,000 and $30,000 and insurances typically pay for part or even all of the surgery as well as some of the fills.

This type of surgery does have a lot of advantage and benefits but it also comes with some risks that should be considered before the surgery, including bleeding, infection, slippage of the band, erosion of the band, deflation or enlargement of the stomach, reflux or GERD and the very unlikely possibility of death.