The gastric band and more recently the gastric sleeve have rapidly become the chosen method for those struggling to lose weight and keep it off. They are considered by many as the end of yo-yo dieting, a way of finally achieving their permanent weight loss. Others quite rightly view going under the surgeon’s knife as extreme and possibly dangerous. The problems and the downsides of gastric surgery do exist; they just don’t get talked about that often. All the potential risks, complications problems of weight loss surgery are explained on the NHS website.
The medical procedure involved in the fitting of a surgical gastric band is normally relatively safe and reasonably pain-free, especially when it is undertaken using Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. Many patients can normally expect to achieve a steady ongoing weight loss, with some managing to reach their target weight. But unfortunately, the procedure is not an option that is suitable for everyone. Because of the risks involved and the gastric band problems that may occur during and after the procedure, its use is generally limited to those people with a considerable amount of weight to lose, and a resulting high BMI of normally 40 or above, unless other health risks exist. The non-reversible gastric sleeve route requires very serious consideration ahead of any decision been made. Like we say, once you decide to undergo the procedure, there is no going back, and you will have to deal with any gastric band complications as and when they arise.
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The gastric band is also known as the adjustable laparoscopic band,or lap band. Going into hospital to have one fitted also requires careful consideration. There are certain risks associated with contracting an MRSA infection, of developing DVT, as well as the normal concerns of undergoing a generalanaesthetic, as outlined on the BUPA website. These problems are greatly increased if the patient is overweight. We have lots of information on our website about non-surgical weight loss options.
The morbidity rate, (that is the number of people who die either during, or as a result of, the procedure), is approximately 1 in every 1800. It’s a small percentage, but an important one, so serious consideration is required. Other gastric band problems involve the band eroding into the wall of the stomach, resulting in what is possibly life threatening condition. Taking a long haul flight can sometimes cause gastric band problems: surgeons may recommend having a “defill”, or having it loosened slightly before travelling, due to the possibility of the band restriction tightening on the flight. There is more information on our website about possible gastric band side effects here.
Occasionally the band can leak into the body cavity, resulting in further surgery being required. It is widely believed that patients opting to go for surgery abroad to save money are at an increased risk of the problems and complications often associated with a gastric band, as they will be travelling very soon, often just a day or so, following surgery.
Many patients talk about gastric band problems and mention that the negative effect they have had on their social life and relationships is the biggest downfall of all. Surprisingly, it’s something that they had never really thought about. Productive burping is another social problem. What is it? It is what you have to do if you eat a piece of food that for whatever reason will not pass through the restricted area of the stomach; it is a bit like an animal regurgitating food for its young.
“The safety of gastric banding rests entirely on patients having immediate access every day of the year to informed medical care”. Alberic Fiennes, secretary of the British Obesity Surgery Society, was quoted in the BBC News article: “Gastric Band Patients at Risk.”
Of course the most extreme and tragic side effect of gastric band surgery is that it can sometimes be fatal. The heart-breaking stories of people who have died as a direct result of having some form of weight loss or bariatric surgery, seem to be increasing at an alarming rate. Not surprisingly, the actual number of operations being performed each year is also increasing drastically, according to the Daily Mail article reporting the NHS figures.
Anyone even remotely considering the surgical route owes it to themselves, as well as their partners and families to first investigate all the possible alternatives – especially those that don’t come with the risk of gastric band problems. Our non-surgical gastric band treatment has been offered and perfected for over ten years. The Gastric Mind Band offers a success rate which is comparable to the surgical alternative, but best of all, it comes with no surgery, so no risks. And as the method is surgery-free, there is a far more relaxed view around the issues of BMI. The cost is minimal in comparison, and it is rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for hundreds of people from both the UK and the USA who are concerned about succumbing to gastric band complications. The approach has been featured on national television on both sides of the Atlantic, and is now the subject of a book, The Gastric Mind Band, published by Hay House. Before you make your final decision, view www.gmband.com, read the case studies, check out the verified before and after photos, read the media reviews and finally check out the Clinical Evidence. You may be surprised by what you find. You have nothing to lose, other than weight of course!
You can read additional information about Martin and Marion Shirran, the developers of the GMB treatment here.
