The gastric band narrows the stomach asymmetrically so that it begins to resemble an hourglass. Placing an adjustable gastric band is one of the surgical methods of treating obesity. How does the gastric band work and in which patients can it be fitted?

The assumption ofAdjustable Gastric Band is abariatric surgery , a method of surgical treatment of obesity performed since the mid-1980s centuries. With a gastric banding, you can lose 50-60 percent overweight in 2 years.

The gastric banding is not recommended for patients who are unable to make regular check-ups. The gastric band also does not work for about 20 percent of obese patients - especially those who avoid the restrictions imposed by the band when consuming high-calorie liquid or semi-liquid foods. The operation is currently reimbursed by the National He alth Fund, but it can also be performed privately. The cost of wearing the band is from 10,000 PLN.

Gastric banding: how does it work?

The band consists of a part around the stomach, equipped with a balloon that compresses due to filling with a special fluid, a port located under the skin through which the amount of fluid in the band can be adjusted, and a cable connecting the band with the port. Depending on how tight the band is tightened, you can eat more or less food - this allows you to regulate the rate of weight loss. Note: Too frequent changes in the pressure force may cause the band to overgrow the walls of the stomach and cause weight gain again.

Gastric banding: for whom?

The most important indications and criteria for obesity treatment surgery:

  • BMI>40
  • BMI>35 if there are concomitant diseases accompanying obesity, such as: diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, other
  • unsuccessful attempts to reduce body weight by methods other than surgical
  • he alth problems related to obesity disease;
  • age 18-65;
  • no coexisting mental illnesses (depression is not a contraindication to the procedure)

See also: Calculate your BMI - use the calculator!

Gastric banding: mileagetreatment

The gastric band is placed under general anesthesia - the operation takes about 90 minutes. After surgery, the patient is given painkillers, and on the day of surgery, the patient should start to sit up. A hospital stay for several days is necessary, and you can return to normal activities after a few weeks. On the first day after the procedure, an X-ray of the upper gastrointestinal tract with a contrast agent is usually performed in order to assess the effect of the treatment.

The band remains empty until the postoperative wounds heal. Only during the first follow-up visit is it partially filled and from that moment the patient switches to the diet agreed with the doctor. During the first year, it is usually necessary to adjust the inflation of the wristband 4-6 times.

Gastric banding: follow-up visits

The gastric band requires regular check-ups, during which the doctor:

  • controls body weight
  • corrects eating habits
  • supplements the band with saline for the optimal weight loss effect.

Usually the first follow-up visit takes place 4-6 weeks after the surgery, the next ones are planned every 3 months for the first 2 years, then every six months. Patients who avoid follow-up visits cannot count on satisfactory results of gastric banding.

When does the gastric banding do its job well?

  • when the weight loss per week is 0.5-1 kg
  • when you feel full between meals
  • when you tolerate different types of food well
  • when you do not feel any unpleasant ailments because of it

Gastric banding: disadvantages

  • requires strict adherence to diet
  • may cause vomiting if you do not chew thoroughly, eat too quickly or too much
  • it may grow into the stomach or through the stomach walls, necessitating another operation
  • the upper part of the stomach may become enlarged, which increases the weight of the body - a new operation is necessary

Gastric Banding: Benefits

  • simple and relatively safe method
  • few serious complications
  • performed without opening or removing any part of the digestive tract
  • does not change the anatomy of the stomach
  • completely reversible
  • if it is applied laparoscopically, the patient quickly returns to the form

Gastric banding: complications

  • infection of postoperative wounds
  • bleeding
  • displacement of the band
  • formation of pressure ulcers in the area of ​​the band and perforation of the wallstomach
  • unwanted enlargement of the food tank above the band
  • food passage is blocked by a constriction
  • development of gastrointestinal reflux disease
  • postoperative depression.
Important

Poradnikzdrowie.pl supports safe treatment and a dignified life of people suffering from obesity.
This article does not contain discriminatory and stigmatizing content for people suffering from obesity.

The article is part of the educational campaign "Obesity under the scalpel" carried out as part of the European Obesity Day 2022 in Poland.

Do you want to know more? Go to the page OBESITY UNDER THE SCALPEL

Category:

Obesity