gastric band

Gastric banding is a surgery during which a special silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to reduce the stomach volume and make the patient feel full after smaller portions of food.

The gastric band helps to:

• generate new eating habits
• feel the sense of fullness longer
• lower weight during a longer time period
• lose about half of the excess weight

The gastric band is suitable for patients who:

• have the body mass index of 30 or above
• have the body mass index of 27 and above, but with serious comorbid diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, etc)
• have tried to lower weight with regular diet and workout, but have not achieved results despite the effort

Surgery at Christinas Clinic

The surgery is performed laparoscopically, which leaves minimal scars. Small cuts are made in the abdomen through which a camera and instruments are inserted in order to place the gastric band.

A silicone band is placed around the stomach, which apportions the stomach into two. The upper part becomes small (with the volume of approximately 30-50ml) and allows the sense of fullness even after eating small portions of food. The food moves from there through the restricted part of the stomach to the lower part and continues its natural course.

A tube with an access port left under the skin through which the size of the band and the restriction can be adjusted is attached to the band. If ever necessary, the band can later be removed with a simple procedure.

Weight loss with the help of the gastric band is a long and gradual process with mostly excellent results. The extent of the effect, however, is dependent on the patient’s individualities and dedication.