Risks and Benefits of Gastric Banding

Although laparoscopic gastric banding is the safest surgical procedure for weight loss in America, you still need to educate yourself on the risks. The Center for Devices and Radiologic Health (CDRH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed its review for the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band in 2001 to be used in the United States. It set out to approve application of this device to be used as an investigational study at first, and closely monitored its effectiveness and safety. Now after the 5 year trial, laparoscopic gastric banding is fast becoming the number one choice in surgical weight loss for Americans.

More patients are considering laparoscopic gastric banding over gastric bypass for the simple reasons that it is much safer, and there are no anatomical changes made to the body; which results in less risk of complications post-operatively. Studies have shown that both patients who have undergone gastric bypass vs. those who have had placement of the Inamed Lap-Band System have kept their weight off even after 5 years. It has been reported that patients having either procedure have lost comparable weight too.

There are several disadvantages and side effects to be aware of after gastric banding. For example some patients have reported much slower initial weight loss, nausea, vomiting, choking and chronic coughing at night, belching, chest tightness, and inability to swallow foods are the most common. If you do not follow your post-operative diet, you may induce vomiting which can cause the stomach pouch to stretch and risk slippage of the band. If this happens, you may need to return to the hospital for follow-up surgery. YOU MUST FOLLOW THE PROGRAM AS OUTLINED FOR YOU!

The advantages of gastric banding for those who are not only morbidly obese, but who have co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides and sleep apnea have reported that their health has improved greatly and they no longer require medications which is the best part about losing weight. Obesity has always been a major contributor to these deadly diseases and with the structured program offered by Dr. Samir Patel, you too can be on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

It takes a lot of dedication, so make sure that gastric banding is for you. Please go through our entire website before deciding and feel free to contact Dr. Patel; anytime at the email address listed in this website.