Gastric Band Implantation - Introduction

Every fifth German is overweight nowadays and this tendency is on the rise. Recognized in 1997 by the WHO, morbid obesity is often accompanied by substantial health risks for those affected. Of special note are an increased risk of heart attack, breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, vein problems, massive damage to joints and spinal discs, and/or diabetes. In addition, those affected also suffer from low feelings of self-worth and often see themselves subjected to increased social injustice, which often leads to societal isolation. Despite their psychological focus, 90% of those affected lose the long-term struggle against the pound with traditional therapies such as diets. After initial weight loss, in many cases a "yo-yo effect" comes to bear on the situation, resulting the old weight being regained and even surpassed.

After a thorough preliminary examination and review of exclusion criteria, extremely overweight patients can be helped through the operative installation of a gastric band. This surgical procedure is an established therapeutic procedure which leads to success in 70-80% of cases. Especially essential for successful treatment, however, is the cooperation of the patient after the operation, i.e. the adaptation of eating habits and living conditions to the "new" stomach. ^1,2

After a number of examinations have been carried out in advance, the procedure is performed using general anaesthesia in conjunction with a 4-7 day clinical stay. Because a minimally invasive technique is used, only a few, small incisions need to be made in the upper abdomen. Through these "keyholes", operating is possible with the aid of a camera. The application of a gastric band results in the sectioning of the stomach into a small compartment directly beneath the esophagus and the larger remainder of the stomach below the gastric band. Hence, because the upper part of the stomach now possesses a low holding capacity, food intake results in the swift onset of feelings of fullness - the patient is "trained" to eat less.

After the operation, steady nutrition building begins. A nutrition specialist will help you to work out an individual nutrition plan which will give information about what exactly you can eat and how much. Only through maintaining a dietary plan, regular physical activity, and checkups with your doctor can this form of therapy lead to success. This is reflected in a weight reduction of up to 60% as well as steady improvement of accompanying conditions.

Thanks to the minimally invasive procedure, the implantation of a gastric band represents a comparatively gentle procedure. However, there is the risk of injury to other organs, bleeding, infections, wound healing disturbances, or further complications.