Leading the field in weight loss surgery
Gastric Band ("Lap Band") Surgery
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Napa, Sonoma, Marin and the Bay Area
If you have a BMI that is between 30 and 50 and have been unable to lose adequate weight through diet and exercise, you may be a good candidate for a gastric band, also know as a lap band. A gastric band is a device that safely and effectively constricts the stomach to enable better portion control and help you achieve major weight loss.
If your weight is affecting your health or interfering with your ability to enjoy regular activities, call us today to learn more about what a gastric band can do for you.
What is a gastric band or lap band?
The gastric band (sometimes called a lap band or adjustable gastric band) is a hollow ring that is made of biocompatible materials. When placed around the upper part of the stomach, the gastric band has the ability to control the size of the opening between the upper and lower portion of the stomach.
The gastric bands we use at Whole Health Weight Loss Institute are adjustable: that is, we can tighten or loosen the band as needed for your goals and comfort. To tighten the band we inflate the band by adding saline solution through an access port placed just below the skin. Likewise we deflate the band by removing saline.
Why get a gastric band?
Unfortunately, our weight can reach a point at which it exacerbates, or puts us at risk of developing, certain conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
If diet and exercise have not helped you lose sufficient weight, an adjustable gastric band can be an effective weight loss method. In fact, most people who receive an adjustable gastric band lose 65% of their weight by the end of their first year. It is important that you choose a weight loss regimen that feels right for you.
The adjustable gastric band is a good weight loss option for patients struggling with obesity for a range of reasons:
- The band creates the opportunity for long-term weight loss
- Receiving an adjustable lap band only requires a minimally invasive procedure. Your recovery period will be short.
- The procedure is safe.
- The weight loss you achieve allows you to regain more comfortable mobility.
- It allows you to feel more confident and attractive within your body.
Who are good candidates for a gastric band?
A gastric band is a weight loss option for patients who have failed to previously lose weight through conventional weight reduction methods. It is important to thoroughly assess if someone is a candidate for an adjustable gastric band in order to assure that they are receiving the safest, most appropriate treatment for them.
Candidates who have BMIs of 35-40 are eligible for a gastric lap band if they are experiencing a weight-related health issue, such as high blood pressure. If your BMI is over 50, you may need to pursue additional weight loss in order to see your safest and best results from the adjustable band. You must be over 18 to qualify for an adjustable gastric band. Good candidates for an adjustable gastric band are those with a body mass index over 40.
After completing their consultation, before they can receive their band, candidates will also need to convey that they are knowledgeable of and open to the outcomes of an adjustable gastric band procedure. It is also vital that candidates understand they will need to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle after they receive their band, and long after they lost the majority of their weight.
If you have a history of gastrointestinal problems or have a health condition that could lead to complications in your surgery, you may not qualify for an adjustable gastric band.
If you are currently a frequent user of drugs or alcohol, you also may not be able to receive the band at this time. You additionally should not receive an adjustable gastric band if you are on a steroid treatment. Consult your doctor to confirm that you do not have an allergy to any of the components of your adjustable gastric band.
If you are pregnant, you will not be able to receive the band. If you become pregnant after receiving the band, it will need to be adjusted or removed.
Consultation
The goal of a consultation at the Whole Health Weight Loss Institute is both to assess if you are a candidate for a surgical weight loss procedure and to answer any questions that you may have about the adjustable gastric band or any other recommended weight loss options. In order to determine if an adjustable gastric band will be a safe option for you, your doctor will take into consideration your medical history, current medication use, and overall lifestyle. It is also important to them that they have a clear understanding of your own weight loss goals, in order to create a realistic, safe treatment plan for you.
If you are interested in learning more about how an adjustable gastric band can help you return to a healthy weight, call the Whole Health Weight Loss Institute today to schedule a complimentary consultation!
Preparation
Before you receive your adjustable gastric band, you will likely need to complete some tests that confirm you are a good recipient and will not experience health complications. For example, your liver health will need to be determined. Your doctor may work with you to shed additional weight before you receive the band. You will also be encouraged to familiarize yourself with and adopt the type of your dietary habits you will want to maintain after receiving your band. Your medication use may be adjusted.
Patients should quit smoking before they receive an adjustable gastric band.
It is recommended that you prepare your home for your recovery before you receive your band. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after your surgery.
Do not eat the night before your surgery.
What is a gastric band procedure like?
This procedure is minimally invasive to provide safe and satisfying weight loss results. The physician will place an adjustable gastric band around the uppermost part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. This gastric band is connected by thin tubing to an access port that lies just below the skin.
Through this port, the physician will adjust the gastric band by inflating or deflating the inner balloon with a saline solution.
As the gastric band inflates, the stomach outlet becomes much smaller and more narrow which, in turn, helps reduce the amount of food that you eat and slows the process of emptying food into the lower portion of the stomach. As a result, this will help patients to feel full much sooner, stay full longer, and reduce hunger urges overall.
This procedure does not require any rerouting or stapling of the stomach and can be adjusted to meet the exact needs or the patient.
Recovery
After the procedure is complete, most patients are able to walk the same day. Patients will be recommended to stay on a liquid diet for the first week after the procedure and then will advance to soft foods for the next two weeks. During this time, the physician will provide patients with individualized recovery instructions to help them effectively heal and transition into their new lifestyle. Our staff at Whole Health Weight Loss are here to help patients in any way possible. We encourage all patients to contact us with any pre- or post-operative questions or concerns.
On average, patients lose about 40% of their excess body weight during the first year after treatment. With a dedicated diet and active lifestyle, closer to 65% weight loss can be achieved! Their weight will then stabilize shortly thereafter.
To learn more about this procedure, please contact our office and schedule a consultation!
Results
Due to your diminished portion intake, you will begin to lose weight shortly after your adjustable gastric band surgery. After one year, patients may notice that they have achieved 65% weight loss. It is not uncommon for patients’ weight to fluctuate at this time, which is why dedication to regular activity and a healthy diet are crucial components of maintaining the results of the surgery.
As you follow your doctor-approved diet, you will continue to lose weight.
Patients who receive an adjustable gastric band are usually able to complete their otherwise unobtainable weight loss. They report that they are able to enjoy activities that their weight used to prevent them from participating in and achieve an overall better quality of life.
After patients complete the majority of their weight loss, they may notice that they have excess, loose skin on their bodies. Patients may decide to pursue a cosmetic procedure in order to complete their body transformation journey, and fully regain confidence in their bodies and themselves!
Cost of gastric band in Sonoma
For some patients, their insurance may cover most of the cost of an adjustable gastric band. Once the details of a patient’s procedure and weight loss plan are determined during the consultation, you will receive a breakdown of the anticipated price of your treatment.
Whether you feel ready to reclaim your body or still have questions you want to be answered, the friendly team at Whole Health Weight Loss is happy to provide the highest quality care and outcomes possible. Call today to schedule a private consultation!
