Gastric stapling surgery, also called gastric banding surgery, is a type of bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) procedure performed to limit the amount of food a person can eat. Bariatric surgery is the only option today that effectively treats morbid obesity in people for whom more conservative measures such as diet, exercise, and medication have not been effective.
Treatment Overview.
Eligibility For Treatment.
Potential candidates for bariatric surgery include:
Persons with a BMI greater than 40
Men who are 100 pounds over their ideal body weight or women who are 80 pounds over their ideal body weight
Persons with a BMI of 35 or more who have another condition such as obesity-related type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or heart disease
Preparation Before Treatment.
In addition to complete medical history, your health care provider may perform a complete physical examination to ensure you are in good health before undergoing the procedure. You may undergo blood tests or other diagnostic tests.
You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight.
If you are a woman of childbearing age, you may receive birth control counseling so that you do not become pregnant in your first year after surgery due to the risk to the fetus from rapid weight loss.
About Treatment.
Restrictive gastric banding surgery requires a stay in the hospital. Procedures may vary depending on the type of procedure performed and your doctor's practice.
Gastric banding surgery is generally performed while you are asleep under general anesthesia.
Post-Treatment Care Treatment.
After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. Weight loss surgery usually requires an in-hospital stay of several days.
You may receive pain medication as needed, either by a nurse or by administering it yourself through a device connected to your intravenous line.
You will be instructed about taking nutritional supplements to replace the nutrients lost due to the reconstruction of the digestive tract.
Before you are discharged from the hospital, arrangements will be made for a follow-up visit with your doctor.
Treatment Recovery Tips.
You should continue the breathing exercises used in the hospital.
You should gradually increase your physical activity as tolerated. It may take several weeks to return to your previous levels of stamina.
You may be instructed to avoid lifting heavy items for several months in order to prevent strain on your abdominal muscles and surgical incision.
Treatment FAQs.
Is gastric bypass a restrictive surgery?
Gastric banding is different from gastric bypass in that it is purely restrictive (limits food intake), while the gastric bypass is always malabsorptive (limits food absorption) and sometimes restrictive. Gastric bypass and gastric banding both have different risks and different benefits.
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