Gastric Band in Greenwich Hospital & Stamford CT
A laparoscopic adjustable silicone band is placed laparoscopically around the top portion of the stomach. This results in a loss of weight because of the restriction it creates in the amount of food the patient can eat and the decrease in hunger that the patient senses. Unlike other procedures, gastric banding does not require any cutting or removal of any part of the digestive system and is a reversible procedure.
The amount of food and speed of eating are reduced as food slowly empties into the narrow opening to the remainder of the stomach. Since the size of the stomach that receives the food has been reduced by the band, it has a very limited capacity for food and the patient will feel satiated when it is full. The tubing around the stomach is connected to a port that is stitched to the belly wall on top of the muscles. The skin is then closed. The band can then be adjusted through this port to meet the patient’s weight loss and nutritional requirements.
An average of 60% of excess body weight loss can be expected over 5 years with this procedure. This weight loss can be maintained with post-operative lifestyle behavior changes including diet, exercise and band maintenance. Patients can expect to meet with the doctor or physician assistant at least once a month for the first year, to have, or determine, the need for a band adjustment. One of the keys to success is frequent doctor follow-up and assistance. Our bariatric surgeon will always keep you as a patient and will want to follow your progress for at least five years, if not for life.
Advantages:
- Less invasive; less pain
- No stapling, cutting, or intestinal rerouting
- Adjustable
- Reversible
- Low complication rate
- Lowest morbidity and mortality rate of all bariatric surgeries
- Low malnutrition risk
Disadvantages:
- Slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass
- Regular follow-up critical for optimal results
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gas and bloating
- Depression and psychological distress
Complications:
- Pulmonary embolism is rare
- Rare band Erosion
- Band slippage less than 5%
- Leakage
- Hemorrhage
- Pneumonia
- Wound and port problems
- Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Mortality risk is equal to less than gallbladder surgery
You are welcome to call our office and we will supply you with a free insurance evaluation. We are here to assist and support you from your initial decision to the actual surgery and the aftercare for your long-term weight loss. Our staff will carry you through the process and minimize your fears, pressures and help you overcome your concerns.
Dr. Neil Floch and his weight loss surgery team makes the long-term care of your weight loss easy and guides you on a lifelong path to freedom from obesity that is safe, enjoyable and satisfying.
