Those who yearn to lose weight rapidly can opt for gastric banding surgery. However, it is imperative that you consult your health practitioner to weigh the risks and benefits of getting this surgery done. Your doctor can give you useful advice about whether this procedure is worth the risk or not.

About Gastric Banding

Gastric binding is an enticing option for individuals in need of a quick weight loss solution. Gastric banding procedures leave the individual with a smaller stomach. This promotes feelings of fullness, leading to restricted eating practices and subsequent weight loss. However, is this safe?! The truth is, as is the case with all invasive, surgical procedures, risks and complications are a very real part of the gastric banding package. Before we weigh the benefits and risks of the gastric banding procedure, let’s examine the two forms of gastric banding surgeries.

Types of Gastric Banding

There are two forms of restrictive gastric banding surgeries:

Laparoscopic

Adjustable Gastric Banding: This is the popular form of gastric banding surgery. An adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, restricting the stomach capacity to one ounce of food. This form of gastric banding is preferred due to the adjustable nature of silicone band which can be tightened or loosened to increase weight loss, or to reduce side effects respectively. The risk of death due to laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is one in 2000. The common side effects after the procedure include nausea, vomiting, and minor bleeding and wounds in rare cases.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty:

This form of gastric banding involves the use of a plastic band placed around the stomach and stomach stapling to further restrict stomach capacity. However, this form of surgery has lower reported weight loss rates and a higher complication rate. Very few surgeons perform Vertical Banded Gastroplasty procedures today.

Possible Benefits of Gastric Banding

Studies carried out on individuals who underwent gastric banding surgery have reported improvements in the following areas:

1. Asthma
2. Diabetes
3. Blood pressure levels
4. Cholesterol levels
5. Sleep apnea
6. Gastro-esophageal reflux
7. Infertility
8. Blood clots
9. Depression
10. Heart failure

Possible Health Complications of Gastric Banding

The health complications and risks of gastric banding procedures vary from individual to individual. The health complications can be minimized by going to an experienced surgeon with a high success rate. These risks include the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Wound problems
• Blood clots
• Lung problems.
• Slipping or dislocation of the stomach band.
• Erosion of the band into the stomach lining
• Rapid weight loss leading to gallbladder inflammation. The gallbladder may have to be removed.
• The risk of death is low at 0.5%