Gastric banding is a type of weight loss surgery than can help obese patients lose excess weight and improve their overall physical health. The LAP BAND System works by creating a smaller gastric pouch to limit the amount of food that your stomach will hold at any time. An inflatable ring is used to control the flow of food from this smaller pouch to the rest of the digestive tract. The end result is that you will feel full after eating smaller portions of food and continue to feel full long after eating your meals. Many patients prefer gastric banding because the procedure is less invasive than gastric bypass surgery. Recovery time is also shorter with the LAP BAND System than with other types of bariatric surgery. If the procedure is performed laparoscopically, you will probably spend less than 24 hours in the hospital. Most patients are able to return to work within one week. However, if you have open surgery or experience complications from the gastric banding procedure you may need longer to recover.
How Much Weight Will I Lose?
It's important to note that although gastric banding has been extremely successful for many people, it is not a miracle solution for weight loss. The procedure alone will not guarantee that you reach a healthy weight. You must be committed to making the necessary changes in your lifestyle. You will need to develop good eating habits and follow a regular exercise program for gastric banding to be truly effective.
Many patients are concerned about how fast they will lose weight after gastric banding. You may be able to lose two or three pounds each week in the first year after your operation. However, many patients are only able to lose one pound each week. Research has proven that while gastric bypass produces a greater weight loss within the first year following surgery, gastric banding results in an equal weight loss at the five year mark. Both procedures are excellent options for helping you lose excess weight--and keep it off.
