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Home arrow Medical Procedures arrow Bariatrics arrow Adjustable Gastric Banding Devices arrow Adjustable Gastric Banding Device FAQs
Adjustable Gastric Banding Device FAQs

What is an adjustable gastric banding device?  

Healthbase - adjustable gastric band illustration, BMI calculator, lap band, realize band, midband, image, picture, photoThe adjustable gastric banding system is a surgically implanted device used to help a person lose weight. The system consists of 3 parts:

•  a hollow silicone band

•  connection tubing

•  an access port

An explanation of the function of these parts is provided below.

 

How does it work?

In a surgical procedure, the band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. The narrowed opening between the stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach controls how quickly food passes from the pouch to the lower part of the stomach. The system helps the patient eat less by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and increasing the time it takes for food to be digested.

Depending on the patient’s needs, after the device is implanted the narrowed opening between the pouch and the lower part of the stomach can be adjusted in size by inflating or deflating the hollow band. Inflating the band makes the opening smaller, causing food to pass more slowly. Deflating the band makes it wider, causes food to pass more quickly. This adjustment is made by adding or removing fluid inside the hollow band. The doctor does this by injecting or removing the fluid through a small button-like part called the access port. This access port is placed under the skin in a muscle in the chest wall. The port is connected to the band by the tubing.

 

When is it used?  

The system is used for weight loss in severely obese adults who have been obese for at least five years and for whom non-surgical weight loss methods have not been successful. They must be willing to make major changes in their eating habits and lifestyle. Patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40, a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe morbid (unhealthy) conditions, or be at least 100 pounds over their estimated ideal weight.

 

What are the risks?

Common side effects include:

•  Nausea

•  Vomiting

•  Heartburn

•  Abdominal pain

•  Slippage of the band

 

When should it not be used? 

It should NOT be used for people who:

•  are poor candidates for surgery

•  have certain stomach or intestinal disorders

•  have an infection

•  have to take aspirin frequently

•  are addicted to alcohol or drugs

•  are not able or willing to follow the rules for eating and exercise that are recommended by the doctor after surgery

 

Who are some of the manufacturers of the adjustable gastric banding device?

•  Allergan’s LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System

•  Ethicon Endo-Surgery’s REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band

•  Médical Innovation Développement Company's MIDBAND

 

What is the outlook after gastric banding?

Please see Life After Gastric Banding .

 

What is the cost of the gastric band?

Get a cost estimate for your adjustable gastric banding procedure.

 

Suggested reading

•  Calculate your BMI

•  Bariatric surgery information resource

•  Obesity risks and treatments

•  Medical tourism for weight loss surgery

•  JCI accredited international hospitals offering affordable gastric banding surgery

•  Find a US/UK trained bariatric surgeon abroad

•  Gastric band patient testimonials

•  Tummy tuck after a gastric band surgery

 
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