Q. Who can go for Gastric Banding?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Gastric banding is a type of bariatric surgery, which involves the placement of an adjustable silicone band around the top part of the stomach. This procedure helps in weight loss by reducing the amount of food intake and slowing down digestion.

Gastric banding is suitable for individuals who are overweight or obese with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40, who have not been able to achieve significant weight loss through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise alone. It is generally recommended for people between 18-65 years old who suffer from obesity-related complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or joint problems.

The decision to go ahead with gastric banding should be taken in consultation with your doctor or surgeon after considering all other non-surgical options available first. In general terms this type of surgery has significant advantages including:
• Reduced calorie consumption – since only small amounts can be ingested at any one time;      • Rapid initial weight loss – up to 20% within 6 months;    • Long term sustained results – where long term compliance with dietary guidelines and healthy lifestyle habits are maintained;    • Improved health related quality of life indicators such as mobility, energy levels and self esteem compared to those patients not having had surgical intervention; • No permanent modification to digestive system anatomy - so there's no risk associated with anaesthetic exposure or major abdominal procedures like that seen in some other types of bariatric surgery options.

That being said there are also potential risks associated requiring detailed medical evaluation prior to undertaking any operative procedure irrespective what option it may be. Such possible negative outcomes could include nutritional deficiencies due to reduced vitamin absorption each time you eat, ulceration caused by stretching & slippage when eating large meals plus psychological issues arising from self image changes that can occur postoperative period due overuse/under use following adjustable gastric bands own unique restrictions on diet behaviour over time etc.. Overall these tend towards ‘rarer’ occurrences but have still been known happen so it's important several investigations discussed beforehand make sure suitability for operation is maximised before proceed further..

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