Adjustable gastric band surgery

	Estimated excess weight loss at one year is 31 percent; at three years is 35.9 percent

In this procedure, a hollow band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch and narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is then inflated with saline. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of saline.

Surgical benefits

• This procedure carries less risk for complications because they do not interfere with the normal digestive process.
• It can be done using a less invasive laparoscopic approach.
• It now can be done on an outpatient basis. Patients can sleep in the comfort of their own beds.
• The bands used in surgery can be adjusted to your needs.
• The surgery is easily reversible.
• Dumping syndrome is less likely to occur after surgery.
• There is less risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Surgical risks

	"I asked my doctor what he thought about adjustable gastric band surgery, and he said I would be a perfect candidate." Read my story

• Although this operation leads to weight loss in almost all people, weight loss is achieved at a slower rate than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
• Vomiting is more dangerous in the first six weeks after surgery because it can cause the band to require repositioning. This is called a slip.

Watch our educational and instructional video (Windows Media Player) about preparing for adjustable gastric band surgery.

For more information about adjustable band surgery, attend our free information session, or call 952-993-3180.