Gastric banding, the best option for stomach reduction

It is the simplest technique among stomach reduction procedures. It has fewer complications and a lower risk of malnutrition than other procedures. In addition, it is easily reversible.

Gastric banding is a solution offered by General Surgery, indicated when all other weight loss treatments have been exhausted. This intervention is intended for the treatment of severe obesity or associated diseases, when the patient is not able to lose weight with conservative measures applied for several years.

Preferably, it is applied in obese patients with low body mass index (BMI). But it can also be proposed in patients with overweight and metabolic syndrome, so that they modify their lifestyle and do not achieve greater weight gain.

Gastric banding, how it works

The operation of the gastric band consists of placing a silicone ring or band around the upper portion of the stomach. It is connected, by means of a hollow tube of the same material, to a titanium port or reservoir that is placed under the skin.

A special needle allows physiological saline solution to be injected into the system through the reservoir. This swells a chamber in the band and regulates the passage of ingested food into the stomach. The mechanism of action is to produce an early satiety.

The procedure is performed laparoscopically. There is no need to cut or staple the stomach or intestine.

Gastric banding, complications

Complications are usually non-existent. However, one risk is that, in the long term, the band may slip, erode the stomach or have problems in the reservoir that make it necessary to remove it.

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It should be noted that gastric banding has fewer complications than other stomach reduction techniques. The disadvantage is that it achieves less weight loss than gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

Gastric banding, the postoperative period

After the intervention, the patient is advised to:

  • Maintain regular physical activity
  • Close and regular follow-up with the multidisciplinary obesity care team.
  • Eat small pieces of food
  • Chew each mouthful 20 times before swallowing it
  • Allow 20 seconds between each bite, allowing time for the food to pass through the band before the next bite
  • Take no more than 20 bites in 20 minutes.