Gastric Band

Facts About the Gastric Band

Gastric band is probably one of the best known weight loss surgery procedures and is an inflatable silicone ring that is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small opening to the rest of the stomach. Once implemented, the gastric band controls the amount of food required to fill you up and the speed at which food passes from the pouch to your stomach.

As you will need less food to satisfy your reduced stomach, the portions you will be able to eat will then decrease, triggering your body to lose weight - hailing the gastric band the ultimate portion controller.

The procedure generally delivers weight loss of 50–60% of excess weight in 2 years (source: BOSPA) and is recommended for patients whose BMI (Body Mass Index) is 35 or over.

There are many misconceptions about obesity surgery, particularly the gastric band procedure so it is important you are fully informed of the facts before you proceed with this type of weight loss surgery. Your consultation is your chance to ask questions about gastric band surgery and put your mind at rest. Your surgeon will be able to offer you full explanations and answers to all of your queries.

See below for some useful facts about the gastric band:

• The gastric band can be kept in for life
• The gastric band can be adjusted as and when required
• You can get pregnant with the gastric band
• Once you are at the correct restriction you can enjoy a ‘normal’ diet
• If you are following the advice of the dietitian you should be able to ingest a balanced nutritional intake
• You will still be able to enjoy eating out

Checklist of SMG's Comprehensive & Superior Weight Loss Surgery Service

• Strict use of NICE guidelines √
• Experienced Bariatric Surgeons √
• Laparoscopic techniques √
• Gastric Band √
• 2 year aftercare package (minimum) √
• 7-day wound check by specialist nurse √
• Discharge medication included √
• Registered experienced Dietitian √
• Tailored diet plan √
• Regular email/telephone support √
• Medical follow up appointments √
• 24-hour helpline √
• Nationwide clinic locations √
• 1 X-ray band adjustment √
• Unlimited clinical fills for 2 years √
• Indefinite annual appointments √

Contact SMG today to order a brochure and learn more about gastric band surgery or book a free consultation today.

Why choose the gastric band?

Weight loss surgery offers many advantages over conventional diets. A gastric band will enable you to:

• Experience a feeling of fullness quicker and for longer periods
• Experience less invasive surgery than with other surgical techniques.
• The band has the benefit of being adjustable.
• Have a shorter stay in hospital than with other weight loss surgery options.
• Enjoy a quick recovery.
• Lose more weight than with non-surgical programmes (and keep the weight off)
• Benefit from the support of a specialist team of caring healthcare professionals
• Learn the principles of long-term success — changing your life forever

Gastric Band Procedure

A gastric band is an inflatable silicone ring that is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small opening to the rest of the stomach. Once in your body, the gastric band controls the amount of food required to fill you up and the speed at which food passes from the pouch to your stomach.

The gastric band enables you to feel more satisfied on smaller portions of food, so you’ll feel full for longer on fewer calories — triggering your body to lose weight.

It is carried out under a general anaesthetic and requires an overnight stay in hospital.

Weight loss surgery offers many advantages over conventional diets. A gastric band will enable you to:

• Experience a feeling of fullness quicker and for longer periods
• Experience less invasive surgery than with other surgical techniques
• The band has the benefit of being adjustable
• Have a shorter stay in hospital than with other weight loss surgery options
• Enjoy a quick recovery
• Lose more weight than with non-surgical programmes (and keep the weight off)
• Benefit from the support of a specialist team of caring healthcare professionals
• Learn the principles of long-term success — changing your life forever

Gastric Band Before & After

Gastric Band FAQs

Before undergoing weight loss surgery, it’s important to understand whether or not a weight loss surgical procedure is the right way to deal with your excess weight.

Weight loss surgery should be a solution that you seek after trying conventional weight loss techniques, like dieting and exercise. If these options fail and you need to take radical action, weight loss surgery from SMG can provide long-term help to address the problem.

Remember, weight loss surgery is not a quick-fix solution. At SMG, we offer a comprehensive aftercare programme following weight loss surgery to ensure that you change your eating habits and lifestyle choices to ensure long-term success.

There are many misconceptions about obesity surgery, particularly the gastric band procedure, so it is important you are fully informed of the facts before you proceed with this type of weight loss surgery. Your consultation is your chance to ask questions about gastric band surgery and put your mind at rest. Your surgeon will be able to offer you full explanations and answers to all of your queries. This consultation is completely private and confidential and is also FREE of charge to all SMG patients.

See below for some useful facts about the gastric band:

• The gastric band can be kept in for life
• The gastric band can be adjusted several times — some people gain optimum restriction after 1 adjustment, other patients require 5 or 6 or more
• You can get pregnant with the gastric band
• Once you are at the correct restriction you can enjoy a ‘normal’ diet
• If you are following the advice of the dietitian you should be able to ingest a balanced nutritional intake
• You will still be able to enjoy eating out

Am I eligible for weight loss surgery?

Weight loss surgery isn't for everyone and to be eligible, you must meet certain criteria set by NICE.

• Your BMI should be over 40, or between 35 and 40 with 2 co-morbidities (obesity related disease, for example, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis)
• You should be over 18 (we generally don’t operate on patients above the age of 60)
• You have tried other weight loss treatments without permanent success
• You are medically and psychologically fit for surgery (we will assess this)
• You have sufficient understanding of the procedure and the lifestyle changes it requires
• You are strongly motivated to undergo the procedure and lifestyle changes needed