Results vary depending on how much you change your eating habits after surgery. But the average weight loss is about 40% of the excess in two years. Weight loss with gastric banding is typically less than with other bariatric surgeries.

The gastric band does not have the same effect on metabolism and hormones as other weight loss surgeries. It’s considered a purely “restrictive” procedure, meaning it primarily tries to limit the amount of food you can eat at one time. However, it is possible to get rid of all your obesity-related problems, including the following health problems, by getting rid of your excess weight that affects your health;

• High cholesterol.
• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease.
• Two types of diabetes.
• Obstructive sleep apnea.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

If you suffer from obesity-related health problems and other weight loss methods that have not worked, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.

The gastric band has the lowest postoperative complication rate compared to other bariatric procedures. Your doctor can remove if necessary. However, it requires close follow-up during the first year.

As of 2019, the rate of gastric band surgery is estimated to be 0.9% of all bariatric procedures performed.

We can list the situations in which your healthcare provider may recommend bariatric surgery as follows;

• BMI of 40 or higher. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a way to estimate how much body fat you have based on your height-to-weight ratio. A score of 40 or higher means a higher risk of obesity-related diseases.
• A BMI of at least 35. A BMI of 35 without associated disease is considered class II obesity. It qualifies as clinically severe or class III obesity with a related medical problem.

You will also need medical screening to ensure you are healthy for surgery. You may have gastric exams, blood tests, or imaging tests. If you smoke or use excessive alcohol, you must quit before you qualify for surgery.

This is a subjective question. However, the procedure and recovery time is relatively short, and as in most bariatric surgeries, you can have an adjustable gastric band fitted with minimally invasive surgical methods (laparoscopic surgery). This means that instead of a large incision in your abdomen, your surgeon can perform the entire surgery with a few minor “keyhole” incisions.

Your doctor will give you specific dietary instructions after surgery. For the first few weeks, you’ll follow a liquid diet that gradually progresses from pureed foods to soft foods and finally to solid foods.

You must visit your doctor provider frequently in the first year after surgery to adjust your gastric band. As you lose weight, the band may need to be tightened to maintain your weight loss. You’ll also have regular blood tests to ensure you get enough nutrients in your new diet. You can get nutritional counseling to adapt to the new eating pattern as soon as possible. If needed, your doctor can prescribe supplements.

The gastric band is designed to last a lifetime.

The most significant advantage of the adjustable gastric band is the lower risk of complications immediately after surgery. While both sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass are considered very safe, gastric banding is estimated to have an even lower risk of complications. Your gastric is not cut. It can also be removed when the doctor deems it appropriate.

Gastric banding causes less weight loss than other bariatric surgeries. Also, adjustments to the band may be required, especially during the first year after surgery.

The failure rate due to insufficient weight loss or weight regain is higher in the gastric band than in other bariatric procedures.

• Nausea and vomiting. This is a common side effect in the first week after surgery. It gets better over time.
• Constipation. Because some people find it challenging to drink enough fluids, they are likely to face the problem of constipation with gastric banding. Hydration is essential after any bariatric surgery.
• Difficulty swallowing. Sometimes your body may respond to the smaller gastric pouch and slower gastric motility, making it difficult to swallow food. Loosening or slowing down the band and eating smaller bites may help.
• Gastroesophageal reflux. A tight band can cause heartburn and trigger acid reflux (GERD). GERD can be treated with medication.
• Belt slippage. The tape is fixed during surgery. However, the video may slip from this position. When this happens, the gastric pouch (gastric above the band) enlarges. In this case, the band must be removed immediately.