Adjustable Gastric Band Surgical Procedure

This procedure involves placing an adjustable band around the upper stomach, which limits the amount of food you can eat at one time. It does not involve rearrangement of the intestinal tract, which avoids the risk of bowel reconnections and malabsorption. In general, it is a simpler, quicker and safer operation compared to gastric bypass. However, it does require periodic adjustments to tighten the band. This is a simple procedure which is done in the office.

Advantages

• Safer initial procedure with almost no risk for leak
• Shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery
• Since it does not produce malabsorption, supplements (vitamins and minerals) are not required

• Gastric band is reversible

Disadvantages

• Compared to gastric bypass, there is less weight loss
• The band is a foreign body, which can cause infection or erode your stomach
• Approximately 10 percent of patients will require another operation due to band-related infection, erosion, device failure, or migration of the band (slippage)
• Requires regular post-operative adjustments

For more information about Flaget Center for Weight Loss Surgery call 502.350.5492.

Flaget Center for Weight Loss Surgery
4305 New Shepherdsville Road
Bardstown, Kentucky 40004