Conversation Counseling

Commonly Asked Questions from Patients

Will I require plastic surgery to remove excess skin?

Explain that surgeons can best describe all options. Other approaches to weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass, involve cutting away or stapling part of the stomach and bypassing parts of the stomach or intestines. Unlike the Gastric Band procedure surgery, gastric bypass and similar procedures are not easily reversible. Moreover, the procedure can interfere with the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals – therefore requiring patients to take supplements for the rest of their lives.

You say the procedure is reversible. Does this mean I can have the Gastric Band removed after I lose my excess weight?

Explain that, although, it is possible to remove the band, it is not recommended. If the band is removed there is a good chance that the patient will later return to his or her original weight, or even more. Patients should know that the Gastric Band procedure is meant to be a lifetime commitment.

How much weight will I lose with the Gastric Band?

Explain that this varies. In a large study, at 36 months, patients (n=68) had a 62% +/-20.9% excess weight loss (50%-60% excess weight loss was maintained over time). In general, weight loss is usually slower with the Gastric Band than with gastric bypass, but the weight loss is comparable after 3 years.

Will I require plastic surgery to remove excess skin?

The Gastric Band procedure usually provides a slower and more natural weight loss than gastric bypass. Only a small percentage of patients request body contour surgery for the excess skin. If this is desired, we can facilitate a consultation at The Plastic Surgery Clinic.

How fast will I lose weight?

Patients should know that they will probably not lose weight as fast with the Gastric Band procedure as with other types of weight loss surgery. It is expected that after the Gastric Band procedure patients typically lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. Studies suggest that after 3 years, their weight loss will probably be similar to that seen with gastric bypass surgery. In clinical studies, improvements in comorbidities often appear within 6 to 12 months after surgery.

Is there a possibility that I will not lose weight?

We will stress the fact that patients must be an active participant in their weight loss for the Gastr Band to work. The Gastric Band procedure is only a tool. It can help, but patients need to remain committed to modify their eating habits and lifestyle. Patients will be encouraged that you will be in their corner to help them make the needed changes along with the SWLC team of weight loss experts involved with our comprehensive support program.

Could I lose too much weight?

If patients are concerned, they should know that if they do drop below their ideal weight, the surgeon can always adjust the band to get them back on the right track. This is one of the advantages of the adjustable system with the Gastric Band procedure.

What about pregnancy?

When obese women lose weight, their menstrual cycles may become more regular, and it may be easier for them to become pregnant. Patients should know that if she does become pregnant and needs to eat more, the band can be loosened during her pregnancy. Once the baby is born, the band can be retightened, and the patient can start losing the weight again.

What is the difference between the Gastric Band procedure and a diet?

A diet is something that people go “on” and “off”. The Gastric Band procedure is a commitment to a way of life that will get weight off and keep it off for good. At the end of the day, however, the patient must have the commitment to adapt to a new way of eating and lifestyle changes. The Gastric Band is a tool. Most patients who diet continue to feel hunger and cravings. The hunger can usually be resisted for a period of time, but commonly patients can no longer resist the hunger and the weight is regained (and often a little more).

With the Gastric Band procedure our goal is that patients have a sense of satiety with a smaller portion and that they do not feel the hunger typical of diets. If patients do not feel satiety with a small meal, or if hunger returns shortly after a meal, then we will usually recommend they return to have the Gastric Band adjusted.