Weight-loss surgery is a big deal, so it’s important to know all you can before making the decision. There are several surgical treatments available for weight loss — each with their own benefits and risks — including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve (also known as sleeve gastrectomy) and adjustable gastric banding.
We offer all of these procedures except for adjustable gastric banding. Why? Keep reading to find out.
1. Fewer people are having adjustable gastric banding surgery.
The popularity of adjustable gastric banding surgery has declined in the United States since its peak in 2008. Many patients have reported complications and limited weight loss following the procedure.1
The curiosity surrounding adjustable gastric banding surgery is likely because it’s a fast, minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. As with all bariatric surgeries, the gastric band procedure is designed to help a person lose weight. Here is a basic breakdown:
- Adjustable gastric banding surgery involves placing an inflatable band around the top of the stomach. This will cause you to feel fuller with less food.
- The procedure is minimally invasive, reversible and adjustable.
- You will need to follow a strict diet and gradually reintroduce certain foods following surgery.
2. Adjustable gastric banding is not as effective as other weight-loss surgeries.
Studies have consistently shown other procedures are more effective than gastric banding.
Short-term results for gastric banding patients seem positive, but over time people may experience weight gain or other complications, such as band deterioration or slippage, both of which require follow-up surgery. In fact, it’s been shown that between 15% and 60% of people with adjustable gastric banding require re-operation.2
Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery — both offered at Temple Health — are an effective and proven way to lose weight and improve other co-morbidities, such as blood pressure and diabetes.
3. You have to change your eating habits with adjustable gastric banding.
People with adjustable gastric banding will have to change what and how they eat.
Since gastric banding decreases stomach size dramatically, the amount of food a person can consume becomes limited. It’s important for people with an adjustable gastric band to eat slowly and stop when they feel full. Overeating can cause stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
The gastric band diet means you will have to avoid high-calorie foods, particularly those with large amounts of fats, carbohydrates and sugars (this includes sugary drinks, alcohol and carbonated drinks).
Even the way you eat has to change after adjustable gastric banding surgery. It’s advised to eat slowly (meals should take at least 20 minutes) and to only swallow food once it’s smooth. This is because the opening of the new stomach pouch is small, and large chunks of food can block the area.
4. Adjustable gastric banding does not last forever.
A gastric band will eventually have to be replaced or removed.
Medical devices often have a shelf life, including the gastric band. Many patients have the band removed because it slips off or deteriorates to the point of needing replacement surgery. In other cases, people choose to have their bands removed because of the strict diet, lack of weight-loss results and potentially painful side effects.2
Helpful Resources
Looking for more information about weight-loss surgery?
- Watch a free informational seminar via Facebook Live or online.
- Hear from others who have had bariatric surgery.
- Explore weight-loss surgery options.
- Get answers to some commonly asked questions about bariatric surgery.
