Gastric Banding..What is it?

Gastric banding is among the least invasive weight loss treatments. 

This surgery uses an inflatable band to squeeze the stomach into two sections: a smaller upper pouch and a larger lower section. The two sections are still connected; it's just the channel between them is very small, which slows down the emptying of the upper pouch. Gastric banding physically restricts the amount of food you can take in at a meal. Most people can only eat a ½ to 1 cup of food before feeling too full or sick. The food also needs to be soft or well-chewed.

There are several brands of adjustable gastric bands available. They include LAP-BAND and REALIZE.

Pros. The advantage to gastric banding is that it's simpler to do and safer than gastric bypass and other operations. It's routinely done as minimally invasive surgery, using small incisions, special instruments, and a tiny camera called a laparoscope. Recovery is usually faster. You can also have it reversed by surgically removing the band.

Because the band is connected to an opening just beneath the skin in the abdomen, it can be easily loosened or tightened in the doctor's office. To tighten the band and further restrict the stomach size, more saline solution is injected into the band. To loosen it, the liquid is removed with a needle.

The Cons. People who get gastric banding often have less dramatic weight loss than those who get more invasive surgeries. They may also be more likely to regain some of the weight over the years.

The Risks. The most common side effect of gastric banding is vomiting, a result of eating too much too quickly. Complications with the band aren't uncommon. It might slip out of place, or become too loose, or leak. Sometimes, further surgeries are necessary. As with any surgery, infection is always a risk. Although unlikely, some complications can be life-threatening.