Medical procedures, such as gastric banding surgery, can help very overweight people lose weight. Both gastric bands and gastric balloons usually take under an hour to fit, whereas a gastric bypass takes a couple of hours to complete.
The Department of Health* says that obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the UK with one in four adults affected. It is not a simple problem to fix; many people have trouble losing weight through both diet and exercise.
Gastric banding, otherwise known as lap banding, aims to make you feel full after eating a small portion of food. The way it works is by restricting the capacity of your stomach, therefore leading to eating less and losing weight.
During the procedure an adjustable band is placed around your stomach to create two compartments, keeping a narrow opening between the top and bottom so that food can pass through it slowly. There is a limited space for food so it quickly creates the sensation of fullness. Once the food passes through the opening into the lower part of the stomach, it then makes its way through the rest of the digestive system.
The procedure requires a general anaesthetic as the gastric band is fitted by keyhole surgery. The gastric band surgery lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, and requires the patient to stay overnight to recover and recuperate. If needed, adjustments can be made to the gastric band during follow up appointments depending on how much weight is lost, and how quickly it is being lost.
Gastric banding is designed for patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more, and also for patients with a BMI of 35-40 who suffer from other weight related diseases such as diabetes.
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks as well as benefits, and it is important to weigh these up before proceeding. Your doctor will illustrate the risks associated with the surgery, such as slippage of the gastric band, which can lead to blockages and needs urgent correction.
*Department of Health (2009). Obesity. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/publichealth/healthimprovement/obesity/index.htm - 29161
The Department of Health* says that obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the UK with one in four adults affected. It is not a simple problem to fix; many people have trouble losing weight through both diet and exercise.
Gastric banding, otherwise known as lap banding, aims to make you feel full after eating a small portion of food. The way it works is by restricting the capacity of your stomach, therefore leading to eating less and losing weight.
During the procedure an adjustable band is placed around your stomach to create two compartments, keeping a narrow opening between the top and bottom so that food can pass through it slowly. There is a limited space for food so it quickly creates the sensation of fullness. Once the food passes through the opening into the lower part of the stomach, it then makes its way through the rest of the digestive system.
The procedure requires a general anaesthetic as the gastric band is fitted by keyhole surgery. The gastric band surgery lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, and requires the patient to stay overnight to recover and recuperate. If needed, adjustments can be made to the gastric band during follow up appointments depending on how much weight is lost, and how quickly it is being lost.
Gastric banding is designed for patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or more, and also for patients with a BMI of 35-40 who suffer from other weight related diseases such as diabetes.
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks as well as benefits, and it is important to weigh these up before proceeding. Your doctor will illustrate the risks associated with the surgery, such as slippage of the gastric band, which can lead to blockages and needs urgent correction.
*Department of Health (2009). Obesity. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/publichealth/healthimprovement/obesity/index.htm - 29161
About the Author:
Philip Youngwood is a freelance writer who writes on a number of health issues, including weight loss treatments such as gastric banding surgery.
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