Gastric Banding Surgery


Gastric Banding Surgery


In this era of constant technological innovation and improvisation, medical science has evolved a highly effective means to rapid weight loss – the gastric banding surgery. While there are several other weight loss surgery options besides this as well, gastric banding is amongst the most popular of such procedures in counties like the US, Mexico and so on.


Gastric Banding Surgery is primarily a Restrictive surgical procedure. This means that weight loss here is achieved by restricting the amount of food that the stomach can comfortably hold, thereby reducing the calorie intake of the obese patient. The exact procedure is such that a constricting band, usually made of silicone rubber is placed and tightened around the upper portion of the stomach, thus creating a small pouch where food is held. Since the stomach size is then ‘reduced’, a person feels full and satisfied with much lesser quantities of food. This eventually leads to weight reduction in large, significant amounts. Of all weight loss surgery options, this is considered to be the safest and least expensive, which naturally explains why it is more popular than other Restrictive, Malabsorptive or Restrictive-Malabsorptive procedures.


Usually gastric banding surgery or any other surgical weight reduction procedure is recommended for those individuals who are unable to shed weight using conventional techniques and need to lose weight due to other health complications. Those having a body mass index (BMI) or more than 40 are advised and approved for such an operation. It is most important to realize that such measures should be adopted for strictly medical purposes and not cosmetic purposes or general weight loss. Despite being relatively safe, there is always a risk of complications and infection, though good bariatric surgeons ensure that this is not the case.


In terms of expenditure, gastric banding surgery can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $30,000. The final bill shall also depend upon what nature of medical follow-up one signs up for, and what additional treatments like excess skin removal or body firming one may or may not want to opt for. Other than the expenses, it is also necessary that one understand that such surgery implies a permanent lifestyle and life change that cannot be reversed with ease. Before going in for such surgery, one must consult a well-reputed bariatric surgeon at length to ensure that it is a viable option for them, and what all consequences it will or will not entail. Bottom line is – make an informed decision, for health is undoubtedly equivalent to wealth.

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