Gastric Band Surgery

A safe and minimally invasive way to lose weight

Sometimes diet and exercise are not enough to help you lose your extra weight. Gastric band surgery may be a safe and minimally invasive option for you.

Understanding Gastric Band Surgery

During gastric band surgery, a surgeon places a band filled with saline solution around the upper part of your stomach. This creates a small pouch with a narrow opening into the lower part of your stomach, so you’ll feel full sooner, after eating just a small amount of food.

Is Gastric Band Surgery Right for You?

Talk to your doctor about whether or not gastric band surgery might be right for you. If you have been severely obese (more than 100 pounds over your ideal weight), and have health issues related to your weight, gastric band may be a good option.

Health issues related to weight include:

  • Hypertension
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Several other conditions

To be a candidate for gastric band surgery, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. If your BMI is too high, your doctor may recommend other procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Insurance Coverage

Some insurance companies cover the cost of gastric band surgery, but you have to meet certain guidelines first. You may need to give details about previous weight loss programs you have tried without success, and you may be required to have psychological evaluation to make sure you will commit to the lifestyle changes needed to make the surgery a success.

What to Expect with Gastric Band Surgery

Understanding Gastric Band Surgery

During gastric band surgery, a surgeon places a band filled with saline solution around the upper part of your stomach. This creates a small pouch with a narrow opening into the lower part of your stomach, so you’ll feel full sooner, after eating just a small amount of food.

Is Gastric Band Surgery Right for You?

Talk to your doctor about whether or not gastric band surgery might be right for you. If you have been severely obese (more than 100 pounds over your ideal weight), and have health issues related to your weight, gastric band may be a good option.

Health issues related to weight include:

  • Hypertension
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Several other conditions

To be a candidate for gastric band surgery, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. If your BMI is too high, your doctor may recommend other procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Insurance Coverage

Some insurance companies cover the cost of gastric band surgery, but you have to meet certain guidelines first. You may need to give details about previous weight loss programs you have tried without success, and you may be required to have psychological evaluation to make sure you will commit to the lifestyle changes needed to make the surgery a success.

Before Gastric Band Surgery

You’ll want to start making changes in your eating choices and exercise habits well in advance of your surgery, because the procedure will not work if you can’t restrict the amount of liquid calories you consume. After the surgery, your eating habits will change in a big way. That’s why it’s important to get started before the procedure so your body has time to get used to your new lifestyle.

Preparing For Gastric Band Surgery

Before Gastric Band Surgery

You’ll want to start making changes in your eating choices and exercise habits well in advance of your surgery, because the procedure will not work if you can’t restrict the amount of liquid calories you consume. After the surgery, your eating habits will change in a big way. That’s why it’s important to get started before the procedure so your body has time to get used to your new lifestyle.

Long-term Weight Loss Success after Gastric Band Surgery

Losing weight long-term is a commitment, but you are not alone. After you’ve recovered from your gastric band surgery, you’ll want to take advantage of support services that are available to you.

Support Groups

In-person and online groups encourage you through lifestyle changes and provide guidance as you encounter obstacles to meeting your goals.

Nutrition Advice

Bariatric nutritionists help you develop an eating plan to make sure you stay healthy and lose weight.

Exercise

Fitness experts can teach you what you need to know to exercise safely and effectively so you can stay fit.

After Your Gastric Band Surgery

Long-term Weight Loss Success after Gastric Band Surgery

Losing weight long-term is a commitment, but you are not alone. After you’ve recovered from your gastric band surgery, you’ll want to take advantage of support services that are available to you.

Support Groups

In-person and online groups encourage you through lifestyle changes and provide guidance as you encounter obstacles to meeting your goals.

Nutrition Advice

Bariatric nutritionists help you develop an eating plan to make sure you stay healthy and lose weight.

Exercise

Fitness experts can teach you what you need to know to exercise safely and effectively so you can stay fit.

Having a successful gastric band experience has a lot to do with your outlook. Help yourself prepare by understanding as much as you can about the procedure. Start with the following questions:

  • How long is the recovery?
  • Will there be foods I can’t eat?
  • How much weight can I expect to lose?
  • When will I see results?

Questions To Ask Your Provider About Gastric Band Surgery

Having a successful gastric band experience has a lot to do with your outlook. Help yourself prepare by understanding as much as you can about the procedure. Start with the following questions:

  • How long is the recovery?
  • Will there be foods I can’t eat?
  • How much weight can I expect to lose?
  • When will I see results?

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Patient Stories for Gastric Band Surgery

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