Gastric banding surgery and other medical surgeries can help very overweight people to lose weight. Both gastric bands and gastric balloons usually take under an hour to fit, whereas a gastric bypass takes a couple of hours to complete.
The Department of Health* has said that obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the UK with one in four adults affected. It is not a simple concern to fix as 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.
During the procedure an adjustable band is placed around your stomach to create two compartments, keeping a narrow opening between the top and bottom so that food can pass through it slowly. There is a limited space for food so 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 for the gastric band is done by keyhole surgery; this requires a general anaesthetic. The entire surgery lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, but requires the patient to stay overnight to recuperate and recover. Adjustments can be made to the gastric band during follow up appointments depending on how much weight you are losing, and how quickly you are losing it.
Gastric banding is intended for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, and also for patients with a BMI of 35-40 who suffer from other weight related diseases such as diabetes.
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks as well as benefits, and it is important to weigh these up before proceeding. Your doctor will illustrate the risks associated with the surgery, such as 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 - 33688
The Department of Health* has said that obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the UK with one in four adults affected. It is not a simple concern to fix as 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.
During the procedure an adjustable band is placed around your stomach to create two compartments, keeping a narrow opening between the top and bottom so that food can pass through it slowly. There is a limited space for food so 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 for the gastric band is done by keyhole surgery; this requires a general anaesthetic. The entire surgery lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, but requires the patient to stay overnight to recuperate and recover. Adjustments can be made to the gastric band during follow up appointments depending on how much weight you are losing, and how quickly you are losing it.
Gastric banding is intended for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, and also for patients with a BMI of 35-40 who suffer from other weight related diseases such as diabetes.
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks as well as benefits, and it is important to weigh these up before proceeding. Your doctor will illustrate the risks associated with the surgery, such as 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 - 33688
About the Author:
Philip Youngwood is a freelance writer who writes on a number of health issues, including weight loss treatments such as gastric banding surgery.
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