Gastric Bands: How It Works & Who Can Have It?

Nov 27, 2023

Recently, Gastric bands have become one of the most successful weight loss solutions worldwide. Thanks to its less-invasive procedure approach, fewer complications, minimal downtime, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable results.

This blog will answer two common questions people have about this procedure : (1) How does it work & (2) What are the eligibility criteria, defining who can benefit from this transformative weight loss option?

Overview
Gastric bands are specially designed medical devices that reduce the stomach’s capacity to support weight loss initiatives. The goal is to limit the amount of food the stomach can hold, making it easy to feel fuller with small, light meals.

The procedure typically involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the stomach’s upper part, creating a smaller pouch. This adjustable band allows your doctor to customize the tightness and optimize it better for individual weight loss transformation.

How Does It Work?

Making Small Incisions
The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia. This makes sure the procedure is as painless as possible. Then, small incisions around 1-2 centimetres are made in the abdomen to be the entry points for laparoscopic instruments.

Trocar Placement
Trocars are narrow-tube-like instruments inserted through the incisions, allowing access to other surgical tools.

Laparoscopic Visualization
A laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera at its tip, is inserted through one of the trocars. Doing this helps the doctor to visualize and examine the internal structures of the abdomen on a monitor.

Placement of Gastric Band
In this stage, the doctor positions the gastric band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band is then secured with sutures.

Reservoir Placement
Once the gastric band is positioned right, a small access port and reservoir are attached to the abdominal wall. A tube will connect this reservoir to the gastric band. The key role of this placement is to allow adjustments to the tightness of the band if needed in the future.

This allows the gastric band to customize the tightness according to the needs of different individuals.

Adjustment Tube
This adjustment tube connects from the reservoir to the gastric band. It is placed under the skin and allows a passage for introducing saline solutions for adjustments.

Closing Incisions
As the final step, once the gastric band is placed correctly and adjusted, the laparoscopic instruments are removed. Then, the incisions are closed.
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Eligibility: Who Can Have Gastric Banding?
It’s important to emphasize that gastric bands are not a one-size-fits-weight loss solution. They have specific eligibility criteria determining who can benefit from this procedure effectively. While the requirements to get this procedure will be best assessed by your doctor, here are some common eligibility factors:

– Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher and those experiencing obesity-related health conditions.
– Those with an unsuccessful attempt with other weight loss initiatives such as diets and exercise.
– Anyone who cannot maintain sustained weight loss progresses through diet and exercise.
– Should have the ability to commit to lifestyle changes. This includes dietary modifications and regular exercises.
– Absence of certain health conditions. For example, those having a history of lung issues will not be suitable.

In addition, sometimes, your doctor can ask you to undergo a specific psychological evaluation to assess your readiness for the treatment. This considers your emotional and mental ability to progress through the weight loss journey post-procedure.