Adjustable gastric banding is a method of restrictive weight loss surgery (bariatrics) designed for obese patients who generally have a body mass index (BMI) of between 35 to 40.
The gastric band itself is an inflatable silicone prosthetic device which is placed around the top portion of the stomach via keyhole laparoscopic surgery. The placement of the band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach which holds approximately 50mls. This pouch 'fills' with food quickly and the passage of food from the top to the bottom of the stomach is slowed. Once the Banding is applied to the patients stomach that part of the stomach thereafter sends a message to the brain that the stomach is full, this sensation then helps the person to eat smaller portions, eat less and therefore lose weight over time.
The band is inflated/adjusted via a small access port placed just under the skin of the patient. Radio opaque isotonic solution or saline is introduced into the band via this port. A specialized needle is used to avoid damage to the port membrane. There are several port designs and they may be placed in varying positions based on the surgeons preference. The port is generally sutured in place to maintain stability of the port access point. When fluid is introduced into the band, it then expands placing pressure around the outside of the stomach. This decreases the size of the passage in the stomach and restricts the movement of food. Over a period of time, restriction is increased until the patients feel they have reached a point where optimal weight loss can be reached with the minimal fluid required. This is an individual experience and timing cannot be predicted which means that several visits and consultations may be required to fine tune the tightening the amount of fluid and total content required for each individual patient
Gastric Banding Surgery does not cut, mutilate, or remove any part of the digestive system. Subsequent Removal of the Band would require a keyhole procedure and the stomach usually returns to its normal pre-banded state.
COMMON GASTRIC BANDING PROBLEMS
It is unusual for gastric band patients to experience any nutritional deficiencies or malabsorption of micro nutrients. Gastric dumping syndrome issues also do not commonly occur with gastric band surgery since no intestines are removed or re-routed.
Weight regain is possible with ANY weight loss procedures including the more radical procedures that initially result in rapid weight loss. World Health Organisation recommendation for monthly weight loss is ½ to 1 kilograms per week and banded patient may lose this, however this is very variable, and in accordance with the individual, their personal circumstances, their motivational attitude and their personal mobility.
A commonly reported occurrence for banded patients is regurgitation of non-acidic swallowed food from the upper pouch. This commonly known as Productive Burping. If the Banded Patient experiences this regularly, then they should consider eating less, eating much slower and chewing their food much more thoroughly. If However this does not solve the problem then medical advice should be obtained from your Practitioner.
Occasionally the narrow passage into the larger/lower part of the stomach may become blocked by a large portion of un-chewed or unsuitable food. If this occurs regularly then adjustments to your diet should be considered, and your Practitioner or dieticien should be consulted.
Ulceration Gastritis Erosion - the band can on very rare occasions wear and agrivate a small area on the outside of the stomach which can then, in extreme cases, lead to migration of the band to the inside the stomach. This however is a very rare occurrence and usually warning signs are noticed well in advance this ever happening.
Slippage of the gastric Band is an unusual occurrence where the lower part of the stomach may prolapse over the band and cause an obstruction. Once again however this a very rare occurrence and warning signs are usually noticed well beforehand.
Psychological effects of any weight loss procedure also should be considered. Many Patients have been Obese for Long periods of time prior to surgery, and overeating has become a natural part of their lives, therefore sudden changes to diet and lifestyle can have adverse affects on the Patient.
Author Resource:-
Geoff Lord is an Internet Marketeer and webmaster for several Hospital websites. he is also an accomplished author having written several training manuals on internet Marketing in relation to Cosmetic Surgery. He has studied many Medical Specialities in Order to be able compose and compile content for these websites.
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