The Gastric Band

The banding procedure involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach. The band is filled by adding saline fluid through a port that lies under the skin of the abdomen. These anatomical changes function to provide a sensation of fullness after a very small meal and reduce hunger between meals.

While not common, excessive vomiting can result in band patients if they eat too quickly, take large bites of food, drink fluids with their meals/snacks, eat dry, tough, or sticky foods, or have their band adjusted to where it is too tight. If these things are not done, then excessive vomiting should not be an issue in the band patient.

• A band is placed around the top of the stomach to create a small pouch that limits food intake.
• A small port is affixed inside the body, allowing the band to be adjusted to make the pouch smaller or bigger.
• Internal incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, and external incisions can be closed with sutures, steri-strips, or staples.

 Gastric Banding Advantages

• Lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass
• No stomach stapling or cutting, or intestinal rerouting
• Adjustable and reversible
• Lower operative complication rate than other bariatric procedures

Gastric Banding Risks & Disadvantages

• Slower and less reliable weight loss
• Regular follow-up is critical for optimal results
• Requires an implanted medical device
• In some cases, effectiveness may be reduced due to slippage of the band
• High incidence of removal and revisional procedures because of band slippage and erosion
• Mortality rate: 0.05%:
• Standard surgical risks
• Nausea and vomiting

Gastric Banding Recovery Timeline

• Hospital stay is often same day or less than 24 hours
• Most patients return to normal activity in about 1 week
• Full surgical recovery usually occurs in about 2 weeks

*Results will vary between patients