University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity
Gastric Band Surgery – For more information, call 1-800-926-UCSD
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Dr. Santiago Horgan, a specialist in minimally invasive surgery, was among the
first surgeons trained to do gastric banding. He now teaches other surgeons in
using both the LAP-BAND System and the new REALIZE Band.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.
Enter your weight and height using Standard or Metric measures
Risks
Balancing Surgical Risks Against the Risks of Obesity
The major risks associated with gastric banding are significantly less than other forms of bariatric surgery. Since the banding procedure does not involve opening of the gastric cavity and there is no cutting, stapling or bypassing, most of the side effects and potential for infection usually associated with obesity surgery are avoided. The most significant problem associated with gastric banding has been alteration in the size of the stomach pouch which is isolated above the band. This pouch may enlarge in some cases, either due to slippage of the band, or stretching of the wall of the pouch. In addition, there is the potential for band erosion into the stomach. Other possible risks and lap band complications include: Remember, one of the major advantages of the gastric band is that it can be removed or replaced if any of these complications become serious or life-threatening. You should discuss potential risks and complications with your surgeon. Obesity is emerging as a health epidemic around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is rapidly spreading across all regions and demographic groups. The prevalence of obesity has increased more than 60% in the past decade. A quarter of the U.S. population is obese and another 97 million Americans are overweight or at risk of becoming obese. A person who generally weighs at least twice or 100 pounds more than his or her ideal weight or has a BMI of 40 or more is diagnosed as morbidly obese. The National Institutes of Health report that morbid obesity may considerably reduce life expectancy and is associated with an increased risk of developing conditions or diseases such as:Lap Band Risks
Possible Lap Band Complications
Risks of Obesity
Morbid Obesity
Gastric Banding Advantages
Our bariatric program specializes in gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy (the gastric sleeve) and gastric bypass. Our expertise ensures you will have the highest quality of care and support.
