The Gastric Band
Morbid obesity is on the increase. As a result, health problems are increasing and the world is struggling to cope with the extra demands on health resources. Some people are so disabled by their obesity that they are rendered unable to work. Diets and weight loss systems are available but none have been shown to have a lasting affect upon obesity.
Various surgical procedures have been offered to treat obesity but they generally result in cutting and stapling of the stomach or intestines. In 1985, the first adjustable gastric band was pioneered in Sweden. Since then the gastric band has never been so popular or widely available. 10 years ago, the public may have heard of stomach stapling. Today, even teenagers are aware of gastric banding. Celebrities like Sharon Osborne, Fern Britton, Alison Hammond and Anne Diamond have talked extensively about their struggles with obesity and subsequent weight-loss successes following gastric band surgeries.
The gastric band is fitted by keyhole surgery. The band is placed around the stomach creating an egg timer shape without any cutting or stapling. The band is adjusted with a needle. Saline is injected into a small port placed under the skin. This creates a sensation of fullness enabling the patient to be satisfied with smaller portions of food.
The great advantage of the gastric band is the adjustability. The band can be tightened or loosened according to patient needs. It is relatively inexpensive and has been shown to be cost effective as it reduces obesity related disorders e.g. type II diabetes.
Valerie (55) underwent gastric banding with Streamline Surgical after she had regained 6 stones following years of failed dieting. She researched obesity surgery on the internet and was unhappy with traditional operations preferring the options of the gastric band. Valerie explains: Id had enough. I had spent a fortune on diets and gym memberships. I would lose the weight but always regain. I was depressed and hated myself for being so weak willed. I found Streamline Surgical and booked a consultation in which I saw various members of the team and together with the surgeon I came to the decision that a gastric band was right for me. As I didnt eat sweets and I just liked big portions I was an ideal candidate.
I especially likely the way it could be fitted by keyhole surgery so I only took 5 days off of work. The surgeon said it wasnt quite as effective as the bypass and that I might lose just 50% of my excess weight. Funnily enough, I saw that as a challenge and it motivated me. I have now lost 7 stones and am at my target weight
Generally, banding is seen as an option for people with a body mass index of 40-50. However, some surgeons will recommend it for heavier patients due to the low complication rate. Many patients do surprise themselves by losing more than the predicted 50%.
The operation carries the lowest risk of all of the surgeries. For most people, complications can be treated without major surgery. No major changes are made and so that other operations can be considered should the required weight loss not be achieved.
Various surgical procedures have been offered to treat obesity but they generally result in cutting and stapling of the stomach or intestines. In 1985, the first adjustable gastric band was pioneered in Sweden. Since then the gastric band has never been so popular or widely available. 10 years ago, the public may have heard of stomach stapling. Today, even teenagers are aware of gastric banding. Celebrities like Sharon Osborne, Fern Britton, Alison Hammond and Anne Diamond have talked extensively about their struggles with obesity and subsequent weight-loss successes following gastric band surgeries.
The gastric band is fitted by keyhole surgery. The band is placed around the stomach creating an egg timer shape without any cutting or stapling. The band is adjusted with a needle. Saline is injected into a small port placed under the skin. This creates a sensation of fullness enabling the patient to be satisfied with smaller portions of food.
The great advantage of the gastric band is the adjustability. The band can be tightened or loosened according to patient needs. It is relatively inexpensive and has been shown to be cost effective as it reduces obesity related disorders e.g. type II diabetes.
Valerie (55) underwent gastric banding with Streamline Surgical after she had regained 6 stones following years of failed dieting. She researched obesity surgery on the internet and was unhappy with traditional operations preferring the options of the gastric band. Valerie explains: Id had enough. I had spent a fortune on diets and gym memberships. I would lose the weight but always regain. I was depressed and hated myself for being so weak willed. I found Streamline Surgical and booked a consultation in which I saw various members of the team and together with the surgeon I came to the decision that a gastric band was right for me. As I didnt eat sweets and I just liked big portions I was an ideal candidate.
I especially likely the way it could be fitted by keyhole surgery so I only took 5 days off of work. The surgeon said it wasnt quite as effective as the bypass and that I might lose just 50% of my excess weight. Funnily enough, I saw that as a challenge and it motivated me. I have now lost 7 stones and am at my target weight
Generally, banding is seen as an option for people with a body mass index of 40-50. However, some surgeons will recommend it for heavier patients due to the low complication rate. Many patients do surprise themselves by losing more than the predicted 50%.
The operation carries the lowest risk of all of the surgeries. For most people, complications can be treated without major surgery. No major changes are made and so that other operations can be considered should the required weight loss not be achieved.
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