Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery

Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the Adjustable Gastric Band System involves a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a band is placed around the upper most part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into two portions, one small upper and one larger lower portion. Because the amount of food that passes through the band is regulated, most patients feel full faster. Food digestion occurs through the normal digestive process.

The theory is simple, when you feel full you are more likely to have reduced feelings of hunger and will no longer feel deprived. The result is that you are likely to eat less. Restrictive surgery works by reducing the amount of food consumed at one time. It does NOT interfere with the normal absorption and digestion of food.

There are now two Adjustable Gastric Banding Systems approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States - the LAP-BAND made by Allergan, and the REALIZE Band, made by Johnson and Johnson. Both produce similar weight loss and have comparable complications. The advantages to Adjustable Gastric Banding are the following:

Minimal trauma

Fewer risks and side effects

Adjustability

Reversibility

Minimal Trauma

• Least invasive surgical option offered in the U.S.
• No intestinal re-routing (No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel)
• Reduced patient pain, hospital length-of-stay and recovery period

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Fewer Risks and Side Effects

• Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgeries
• Low risk of nutritional deficiencies
• No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions (This occurs commonly with gastric bypass)

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Adjustability

• Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss
• Adjustments performed without additional surgery
• Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs

Dr. Jessee prefers minimally invasive gastric banding with the Realize band or Lap Band system to gastric bypass surgery. Attend one of her weight loss seminars in Florida to learn more.

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Reversibility

• Removable if required. The plan however, is to live with the band forever. Just like stopping a diet – removing the band could cause weight regain.
• The stomach is generally restored to its original form and function.
• Dr. Jessee prefers minimally invasive gastric banding with the Realize band or Lap Band system to gastric bypass surgery. Attend one of her weight loss seminars in Florida to learn more.

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Dr. Jessee prefers minimally invasive gastric banding, sometimes called lap band surgery, with the Realize band or Lap Band system to gastric bypass surgery. Attend one of her weight loss seminars in Florida to learn more.