Stomach Banding

Stomach banding is also known as lap banding, and in essence it is the altering of the stomach so as to be able to contain less food thus resulting in weight loss. It is part of different surgeries for weight loss called bariatric surgery.

A surgeon in a hostpital performs the stomach banding. The band itself is made out of silicone and it goes around the top of the stomach Thus the band is tightened, and then much less food will satisfy that person.

What makes banding an interesting procedure is that the band lends itself to be adjusted, so that if more weight is desired to be lost, it’s a matter of tightening that band so that less food makes the patient feel full.

The operation itself for stomach banding is performed through a series of very tiny incisions through which a laparascope is inserted, which is a tiny camera so that the surgeon can see what he’s doing inside the patient.

The surgeon then places the band on the top of the stomach and a small port is left out just under the skin. Many who go through stomach banding do not even have to spend the night in the hospital depending on how the surgery went.

The doctor then injects saline into the band, which is the action that makes the band fit more tightly or looser around the stomach, which prevents large amounts of food from entering the stomach.

A nutritionist then makes up a meal plan for the patient, who has undergone stomach banding, which must strictly be followed. During the first few weeks, you’ll be on a liquid diet, and thereafter you may try soft foods. You will have to follow an exercise program as well as possibly behavioral therapy.

You will have to have steady visits for your doctor to adjust the band. It is common to have about 6 to 8 adjustments following the surgery in the first 18 months. It is typical to lose as much as 60% of your excess weight in two years following the stomach banding surgery.

Surgery is surgery, thus there have been some risks with stomach banding. Bleeding as well as infection are always possible. There is sometimes a problem with the band itself, as it may slip over the stomach and prevent all food from entering the stomach, or at times the band has been known to erode into the stomach itself.

The band may leak, or the stomach pouch can enlarge which will not allow the patient to lose weight. At times, parts of the stomach have become blocked, requiring emergency surgery.

To avoid most complications, choose a surgeon who has performed stomach banding frequently, and thus is highly experienced in doing this. Also, if his office is accustomed to dealing with those needing adjustments to the band, even better.

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Stomach Banding

stomach band for weight loss

Stomach Banding

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