The System :: The Procedure :: How We Do It :: Post Op :: Adjustments
Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the Gastric Band is the newest form of weight loss surgery in the United States. But this restrictive procedure-which reduces the functional size of the stomach-was first used in Europe in 1993. Since then, more than 400,000 gastric band procedures have been performed around the world.
The aim of the gastric band is long-term weight loss, achieved by reducing the capacity of the stomach.
The silicone adjustable band component of the gastric band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, forming a small gastric pouch to limit the intake of food and slow the emptying process from the stomach into the intestines. No cutting or stapling of the stomach is required, and there is no need to bypass portions of the stomach or intestines.
The gastric band has been designed for laparoscopic placement, which offers the advantages of reduced trauma, reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the gastric band needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.
Once implanted, the band can be tightened or loosened by adding saline solution to the reservoir port via a fine needle inserted through the skin depending on patient's needs. This feature makes it so that patients can customize the rate of weight loss.
TOP
|
