Gastric Band Surgery in Atlanta

Gastric band surgery is a bariatric procedure that helps you lose weight. The gastric band is a small adjustable ring that is attached to an access port by a long thin tube. The ring is placed around the top of your stomach during laparoscopic surgery.

The band creates a small pouch in the upper portion of the stomach and creates a narrow opening called a stoma between the small stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach. Small amounts of food fill the small pouch and give you the sensation of fullness while the narrow stoma empties slowly ensuring that the sensation of fullness lasts for a long time.

Feeling satisfied for longer with smaller amounts of food assists you as you make lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss and long term maintenance. The gastric band is a tool that must be used properly to be effective. Proper use of a gastric band means following prescribed eating guidelines, increasing activity, and regular office visits for gastric band adjustments.

Why Chose the Gastric Band?

The gastric band is a popular choice among obese individuals who prefer not to have permanent changes made to their digestive system. Unlike other bariatric procedures, the gastric band can be removed and your digestive system will return to normal. Other reasons people choose this device is the safety profile of the gastric band. Of all bariatric surgeries, gastric band is associated with less complications in the immediate post-operative period and a lower mortality rate. However, as with any surgery there are risks associated with the gastric band that your surgeon will explain to you in detail.

Another unique feature of the gastric band is its adjustability. Using the access port, your surgeon can add or remove liquid from the band making the stoma narrower or wider. This adjustment allows precise control over that rate food moves between the pouch and the stomach. This helps ensure you achieve the optimum rate of weight loss for your individual situation.

The Gastric Band Surgery

Gastric band surgery is performed as a minimally invasive procedure known as a laparoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is associated with less pain and faster recovery time. In fact, in most cases your gastric band can be performed as a day-surgery allowing you to avoid the hospital stay usually required for other bariatric procedures.

The procedure is performed under general anesthetic so you are asleep throughout and takes about 30 minutes. Since gastric band surgery does not involve cutting, stapling or rerouting of the intestines, you will recover quickly.

Who is eligible for Gastric Band Surgery?

Weight loss surgery is not appropriate for everyone. If you are at least 30 pounds overweight with a BMI of 30 or more and have one or more obesity related medical conditions you may be eligible.

If you have a BMI of 40 without any obesity related conditions you may be eligible also.

While there are other considerations such as age, overall health, tobacco and alcohol use as well as your history of weight loss attempts, perhaps the most important consideration is your willingness to make the changes necessary to be successful with your weight loss surgery.

Gastric band surgery is not a quick fix for obesity. However, with a commitment to living a healthier lifestyle and following the guidelines provided by your bariatric surgeon, gastric band can be part of finally achieving the healthy weight you deserve.