Gastric Band

Gastric band was approved for use in the United
States by the FDA in 2001, although it has been used in Europe since the 90's. It involves laparoscopically encircling the upper stomach with a
special band that has a balloon on its inner surface.
The balloon is connected by a tube to a small port
that is placed under the skin. The restriction of the
band does decrease hunger and causes a sense of
fullness with eating less food.

The results of the band are promising with studies showing about 30-50% excess weight loss. Meaning if you weigh 100lbs overweight you will lose about 30-50 lbs. We do not have very long term studies but the data from Europe and Australia shows that this weight stays off and in some studies can get to 60%.

Compared to gastric bypass weight loss is slower
averaging 5 lbs a month. It also takes more work on the patients part. We require at least monthly
appointments during the first 6 months. If the patient is hungry and not losing weight we can, during the office visit, inject fluid into the port which will blow up the balloon which will tighten the band. If on the other hand the patient is vomiting then we will have to loosen the band by removing fluid.

The great thing about the band is it is easy to place
and easy to remove. There are risks such as damage to the stomach, erosion of the band, slip of the band, and infection, but most complications are minor and can be reversed by removing the band usually without problems.

Eating the right foods and exercising are essential to a good outcome!

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