Gastric Band Procedure

Post Procedure Support

Ongoing patient monitoring and support is critical to the success of the Gastric Band procedure. The Gastric Band works by limiting the patient's food intake and reducing their appetite. The procedure is very dependant on the patient’s motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle, and eating habits. In order for patients to lose weight safely and effectively, the band must be periodically adjusted to limit food intake by creating a feeling of satiety after a smaller portion of food. Patients typically have the band adjusted for the first time four weeks after surgery.

Subsequent clinic visits or telephone follow up varies with each individual, and continues indefinitely. During each visit the channel size can be adjusted by injecting or removing saline through the access port. The access port is placed on the fascia of the abdominal wall in a predictable location at the time of surgery. The circular shape of the band allows for controlled, even inflation or deflation to increase or decrease restriction. Adjustments can be made as often and as long as necessary so that healthy, continuous weight loss can be optimized. Adjustments may be required several years post-operatively, and long-term follow-up is the key to success.

• Safety and patient comfort
• Healthy weight loss–approximately 1 – 2 lbs per week
• Satiety with a smaller meal
• Satiety lasts between meals
• No nutritional deficiencies