Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery

When diet and exercise are not enough to lose weight, bariatric surgery may be an option to treat obesity and other related conditions. Bariatric surgery, also known as metabolic and weight loss surgery, includes procedures that make the stomach smaller and may involve bypassing a portion of the intestines. These surgeries reduce hunger and increase fullness with less food, aiding in weight loss. Initially developed using open surgery, today’s weight loss procedures are performed with smaller incisions using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

What Is an Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery?

The adjustable gastric band is a ring made of silicone with an inner inflatable band placed around the upper part of the stomach to help restrict food intake. The adjustable gastric band surgery was introduced in 2001 and remains one of the most common weight loss surgeries in the United States.

How It Works

In adjustable gastric band surgery, the inflatable inner gastric band creates a small pouch, which is adjusted by filling it with saline solution. The feeling of fullness after food intake depends on the size of the band opening. By adjusting the inner band, either through injecting or removing the saline using a small port placed under the patient’s skin, the surgeon can resize the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach. Patients may need several follow-up visits to fine-tune the band’s opening size. In some cases, surgeons may have to remove the band if it causes problems or fails to facilitate sufficient weight loss. The adjustable gastric band surgery offers several benefits, including:

• Lowest rate of complications early after surgery
• No changes to the stomach or intestines
• Same-day discharge for patients
• Having the option to remove the band, if necessary
• Lowest risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency

What Is the Most Common Complication of Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery?

The other types of bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve and gastric bypass) are more commonly performed in the U.S compared to the adjustable gastric band surgery due to a higher incidence of complications, including:

• The need for several adjustments and monthly office visits within the first year of surgery
• Slower and less weight loss than with other surgical procedures
• Possible re-operation to remove or replace all or part of the band system

The amount of weight loss after bariatric surgery varies depending on the individual and the procedure used. According to a study, patients who underwent adjustable gastric banding, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass lost between 38 and 87 pounds within one year.

While an adjustable gastric band surgery can be a great start to better health, long-term weight loss not only depends on the surgery. Subscribing to healthy lifestyle habits is vital to help keep off excess weight.