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Gastric Banding

Beth Barranco, RN, BSN University Hospital, Augusta, GA

March 1, 2011

New at University Hospital!

For many it can be a long and exhausting road filled with numerous attempts of unsuccessful dieting.

The good news- University Hospital in Augusta, GA, now offers a new procedure to get one on the path to a healthier weight and life.

What is the lap band procedure?

Laparoscopic gastric banding is a surgical procedure where an

adjustable band is placed around the stomach, which helps patients feel

full sooner and with less food

Is gastric banding the same as gastric bypass?

Where the gastric bypass involves large portions of the stomach being surgically removed, gastric banding involves the implantation of a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach and the attachment of an injection port to the abdominal wall beneath the skin.

Adjustments can be made to the band by having the physician inject saline through the port, which causes the band to restrict more food.

Gastric banding may be a more gentle surgery, but it is a surgical procedure

and is definitely not for everyone

Are there certain criteria that determine a person's candidacy

for the lap band procedure?

Criteria:

One of the most important criteria is a BMI more than 40 or more than 35 with obesity related health conditions

You're at least 100 pounds overweight and have tried several supervised weight loss attempts

Criteria cont..

You're between the ages of 18 and 60

You've been overweight for 5 years or more

You're committed to making changes in your diet and lifestyle

What does the recovery process involve?

You'll have an overnight stay in the hospital

You'll be able to start drinking liquids almost immediately

You'll be advanced to soft foods within approx 2 weeks

Lifestyle changes, a support group and continued physician monitoring after surgery can help patients make a significant difference in their quality of life and health

For more information about gastric banding contact

University Hospital Weight Management Center

Augusta, GA 706.774.8962

www.universityhealth.org/weight