Port Jefferson Gastric Band

Adults that have been obese for five years or more and for whom non-surgical weight loss approaches have failed may benefit greatly from the procedure. To be a viable candidate for Gastric Band Surgery, a patient must fall within one of the following categories:

• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher,
• A Body Mass Index of 35 or higher AND one or several severe morbid conditions

Or

At least 100 pounds above their estimated ideal weight
Significant changes to lifestyle and eating habits will be required post-surgery; therefore, patients must be willing and ready to adopt these changes.

Patients may NOT be viable candidates for the Gastric Band if they:

• Suffer from certain intestinal or stomach disorders
• Have an infection
• Must take aspirin frequently
• Are not willing or unable to follow their doctor’s post-surgery dietary and exercise instructions
• Are addicted to alcohol or drugs

Significant Weight Loss: Most patients can expect to lose approximately 50 to 60% of their excess weight within two to three years of the surgery.

Improved Overall Health: After surgery, patients with pre-existing weight-related conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea can expect great improvements and in some cases, complete elimination of these conditions. Patients are also less likely to develop these conditions in the future thanks to the procedure.

Improved Quality Of Life: After surgery, most patients enjoy higher energy levels, a greater sense of confidence and more ease in getting around.

Lower Risk: Statistically speaking, Gastric Band surgery has fewer risks, compared to other more invasive weight-loss procedures.

Less Scarring: The keyhole approach to laparoscopic surgery means less scarring compared to traditional surgeries. Most patients are left with only a few small scars on their midsection after the procedure.

Short Recovery: In most cases, the surgery is an outpatient procedure allowing the patient to return home the day following the procedure. Most patients are able to resume most of their normal activities within 5 days and experience a full post-operative recovery within 1 to 2 weeks.

The Gastric Band Is Adjustable: The band can be tightened or loosened based on the patient’s requirements to optimize successful weight loss. The first adjustment usually takes place roughly 5 weeks after surgery. Additional future adjustments can also be made.

Gastric Band Surgery Is Reversible: If, for any reason, the surgery needs to be reversed, this can be accomplished by either removing the saline solution contained in the band or removing the band altogether.

No Malabsorption: Other weight-loss surgeries can impede the patient’s ability to absorb some nutrients leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This possible side effect does not occur with Gastric Band surgery.

Although Gastric Band surgery is comparatively lower risk than other bariatric surgeries, it is important to note that any surgery has some risks and possible side effects. In the most serious cases, these could require further hospitalization or additional surgery.

Possible side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting – often caused by eating too much, too quickly or not chewing food adequately
• Heartburn
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle loss – can usually be avoided by adopting a regular exercise program and eating a protein-rich diet
• Food bolus obstruction
• Excess skin – a common occurrence following significant and relatively rapid weight loss. Patients are evaluated by a plastic surgeon once their weight stabilizes to determine if a surgical solution is necessary.
• Bleeding
• Deep-vein thrombosis (blood clots forming in the legs), which can result in pulmonary embolus if they travel to the lungs
• Up to one-third of patients develop gallstones

Occasionally, some patients experience some mechanical problems with the band post-surgery. These can include:

• Gastric Band slippage or prolapse
• Gastric Band erosion
• Infection of the band or port leak

Some of the other disadvantages sometimes associated with the Gastric Band include:

• Gastric pouch dilation
• Easy to cheat if poor food choices are made
• Patients must limit themselves to entrée-sized portions from now on
• Between 5 and 10% of Gastric Band patients require revisions

The follow up portion of your surgical plan is designed for your surgeon to monitor progress and ensure you are on the right path. With gastric band patients, followup is critical to your success. Your surgeon must make sure your band stays in the correct zone of tightness and that you are eating the right food the right way. Do not miss your scheduled followup appointments. The aftercare portion of the procedure is set up to make every patient feel as though they are part of a family. You will have personal, one-on-one care to you adjust your band when necessary and guide you through the long weight loss journey to a successful conclusion.

If a gastric band procedure sounds like something you’d be interested in, contact the Manhattan office of The New York Bariatric Group today for a consultation.