15+ Pros And Cons Of Gastric Banding Surgery (Explained)

Gastric banding is a form of weight loss surgery that includes wrapping a silicone band around the top region of the stomach to reduce stomach size and food intake. 

The band is wrapped around the top part of the stomach by the surgeon, who also fastens a tube to the band. The Food and Drug Administration has approved it as a weight-loss remedy.

Pros Of Gastric Banding SurgeryCons Of Gastric Banding Surgery
Significant weight lossSlower weight loss
Helps in other diseasesSlipping of the band
Temporary and reversibleReduces absorption of minerals and vitamins
SaferDiet restriction
Faster recoveryFrequent follow-up appointments
No stomach incision and bowl diversionForeign object within the body
Low rate of complicationsDrooping of skin
Shorter hospital stayLeads to gallstones

I/C

Diet to follow after the gastric banding surgery

  • 64 ounces of fluid (Source: Mayo Clinic) should be taken in to prevent dehydration
  • It is essential to sip liquids between the meals
  • Lean and protein-rich foods have to be added to the diet
  • Foods that have low sugar content can be consumed
  • Avoid caffeine, as it is a primary cause of dehydration
  • Consuming vitamins and minerals in the form of supplements is essential

Advantages Of Gastric Banding Surgery

Significant Weight Loss

The gastric band often results in a weight reduction of between 40% and 50%.

Helps In Other Diseases

Significant weight loss may enhance general health as well as comorbidities, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, sleep apnea, gallbladder disease, hyperuricemia, gout, and osteoarthritis.

Temporary And Reversible

The fact that the gastric band may be removed by the patient at any time with a relatively simple operation is one of the most significant advantages of gastric banding surgery.

Safer 

Compared to other weight-loss procedures, gastric band surgery is safer and has a quicker recovery time for the patient.

Faster Recovery

Gastric banding surgery sees faster recovery than other weight-loss surgeries.

No Stomach Incision And Bowel Diversion

Stomach incision and bowel diversion are not performed in gastric banding surgery.

Low Rate Of Complications

The rate of complications and premature mortality following this procedure is lower than those of other weight loss techniques.

Shorter Hospital Stay

The hospital stay is frequently shorter than 24 hours after the procedure, and some facilities discharge patients the same day.


Disadvantages Of Gastric Banding Surgery

Slower Weight Loss

One drawback of gastric banding surgery is that it results in slower weight reduction than other procedures.

Consequently, conditions like diabetes and hypertension linked to being overweight will undoubtedly improve later.

Slipping Of The Band

The gastric band may leak or slide, causing stomach pain that can only be relieved by having the procedure done again.

Reduces Absorption Of Vitamins And Minerals

As a result, the patient can have malnutrition following the procedure. Malnutrition can occasionally go unnoticed, but in more difficult situations, the patient may exhibit signs such as persistent exhaustion, breathlessness, palpitations, pallor, and weakness.

Diet Restrictions

The patient’s inability to consume particular foods and snacks is another drawback of gastric banding surgery. After gastric band surgery, eating too much fat might cause gastroesophageal reflux.

The patient should entirely alter their lifestyle following gastric band surgery and abstain from consuming particular foods, including sugary meals, red meat, high-fat foods, high-fiber foods, and milk.

I/C: Foods to avoid after gastric banding surgery

  • Foods that contain fats, sugar, or carbs
  • Alcohol consumption is a no-no
  • Drinks that have sugar or fructose
  • Carbonated drinks are a strict no
  • Tough, red, and dry meat has to be avoided
  • Popcorn and chips that lead to gastric problems must be avoided
  • Caffeine is a BIG NO

Frequent Follow-Up Appointments

To achieve enough restriction, many band modification sessions are necessary, especially in the early post-surgery stages.

Foreign Body

It’s one of the procedures that call for patients to carry a foreign object inside their bodies, which some patients may find painful and “weird.”

Drooping Of Skin

There can be drooping of the abdominal skin even after a successful surgery, which in serious instances necessitates additional surgery and the removal of the bandage applied to the stomach.

Gallstones

In some cases, even after successful surgery, gallstones may occur, which may lead to the removal of the gallbladder.


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