Gastric Banding Surgery

Gastric banding surgery is a restrictive surgery that decreases food intake while leaving the normal digestive process intact.  It’s one of the safest and least invasive bariatric surgeries and has a low complication rate.   

The gastric banding surgeon uses laparoscopy, camera-directed operation administered with surgical instruments inserted through a few small incisions, to place a hollow band around the upper part of the stomach.  The gastric band creates a small pouch and narrow outlet between the pouch and lower stomach. 

The narrow outlet created by the gastric band slows the movement of food from the pouch into the lower stomach.  In result, the feeling of fullness arises more quickly than it would naturally and you will consume less food at each meal and feel full longer.

The initial pouch size for most patients holds two to three ounces of food and will expand to 4-6 ounces, but the band is adjustable.  This is why the procedure is often referred to as adjustable gastric banding.  A saline solution is injected or drained to tighten or loosen the size of the outlet as needed.

Do You Qualify for Gastric Banding Surgery?

Adjustable gastric banding surgery is by no means a first alternative to fast, easy weight loss.  It’s a serious choice that though may result in faster weight loss, still demands a strong, lifelong commitment to adopting healthy eating and exercise habits.  It should be considered only after you have attempted to lose weight via non-surgical methods.

Not everyone will qualify for adjustable gastric banding surgery.  In order to qualify for gastric band treatments or Lap-Band surgery, you must meet these criteria:

•  You must be 16 years or older (growth factors need consideration for those under 18)

•  Your BMI, body mass index, is 40 or higher

•  You’re 100 pounds or more above your ideal weight

•  Your BMI is 35-39.9 and you suffer from one or more serious obesity-related condition, such as sleep apnea and diabetes

•  You have suffered from obesity for five consecutive years and have made full-fledged attempts to lose weight through diet and exercise

•  You don’t have any diseases that cause obesity

•  Your commitment to weight loss and healthy weight includes regular exercise, work with a specialist after the procedure and alterations to your diet

•  You don’t drink alcohol excessively

To find out more about gastric banding surgery, consult with respected gastric band surgeon Dr. Collier, or attend one of his free Lap-Band surgery seminars.  Call 281.367.2263 to schedule a consultation appointment or sign up for a seminar.

Dr. Collier serves adjustable gastric banding patients throughout the Houston area, including The Woodlands, Conroe, Houston, Kingwood, Huntsville, Atascocita, Humble and Spring, Texas.