For people choosing weight loss surgery, many more are beginning to choose the adjustable gastric band. Why?

The Gastric Band Is A Much Safer Alternative

Most Patient Friendly Procedure

Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the adjustable gastric band procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery.

Fewer Risks and Side Effects

The gastric band has significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures. In addition, the band is free from the risks associated with nutritional deficiences caused by other procedures.

Adjustable

The gastric band is also the only adjustable weight loss surgery making it ideal for long-term weight loss and management. The diameter of the band is adjustable to meet your individual needs. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band for increased nutritional needs to accommodate a growing fetus, and then have their bands tightened after pregnancy to resume weight loss.

Reversible

Although there is no intention of reversing the operation, if there were to be any unexpected development, the gastric band can be removed, usually laparoscopically. After removal the stomach will return to its normal shape.

The gastric band is not just safer and more patient friendly-

the long term results of the band and the bypass are comparable.

The gastric band is solely a restrictive procedure without the malabsorptive component of the bypass, so the weight loss can be slower and much more dependent on your ability to form healthy lifestyle habits. Many people have been led to believe that the bypass is more effective because of the faster weight loss.

Although gastric bypass patients sometimes produce better short term weight loss than band patients, the long-term weight loss between gastric bypass and gastric band patients is comparable. Moreover, bypass patients often suffer complications and even lifelong health problems.  Many times, they also regain the weight they have lost as their stomach stretches out. With careful monitoring by your Aftercare Provider, and your adherence to the Lifestyle guidelines, you can reach your weight loss goal, improve your overall health, and keep the weight off.