Adjustable Gastric Band

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, is a restrictive procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a much smaller stomach pouch. The band also slows the passage of food from the stomach into the intestine. This allows you to feel full for a much longer time after eating.

Candidates for adjustable gastric banding have a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI between 35 and 39 with obesity-related illnesses such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

* LAP Band is FDA approved for a BMI 30 or greater.

* Realise is not FDA approved for a BMI below 35.

How It Works

Inflating the balloon inside the band with the saline solution further restricts the opening through which food passes. This reduces the amount you can eat and slows the passage of food. You feel full longer after eating.
Deflating the balloon inside the band by removing some of the saline solution increases the opening through which food passes. This can be helpful if you develop certain problems, like regurgitation of food.

Advantages

You eat less
Prolonged sense of fullness after small meals
Less invasive procedure
Shorter operating time
Can be an outpatient procedure
Adjustable
Reversible
Helps improve obesity-related conditions
Less risk of nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition

When Is it Time to Have Weight Loss Surgery?

Questions to Ask Yourself About Bariatric Surgery

Losing weight isn’t easy. And if the weight returns, it can feel like, “What’s the point in dieting?” It doesn’t matter how you got to this point or why the world we live in makes it so easy to be overweight. If you’re reading this article, then you’re probably thinking about what you can do to make a dramatic change in your weight and your life.

Weight loss surgery is a commitment to yourself to living a better life. But how do you know if it’s time, or if you’re okay with life as usual? Spend some time to think about your answers to the following questions.

Questions to ask yourself

Do I struggle with health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea?
Do I feel like people see or treat me differently because of my weight?
Is my weight standing in the way of getting a job or keeping a job?
How many ways have I tried to lose weight? Is it working?
How do I feel about the way I look in photos?
Does my weight affect things I can do with my family?
Am I willing to make changes that can help me keep weight off?

Do you qualify for weight loss surgery?

Generally speaking, you may qualify for bariatric surgery if you have:

Body Mass Index (BMI) or 40 or more
BMI over 35 with serious obesity-related health conditions, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes
Tried many ways to lose weight, only to regain the weight back
No alcohol or drug addiction
Obesity that is not related to an endocrine condition

Explore Weight Loss Surgery Options

Our accredited bariatric team is available to talk through medical weight-loss services that are right for you. Why weight? Weight loss surgery could be the answer to your questions about what it will take to get to the life you want to live.

Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.

Sources:

National Institutes of Health, “Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of obesity.”

Obesity Action Coalition