Adjustable gastric band surgery has been used in the United States since its approval in 2001. Although the procedure is new here, it has been used in Europe and elsewhere for several years with impressive results.
This is a laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery meaning that the procedure is performed through a small incision leaving a tiny scar. The procedure involves the placement of an adjustable gastric band around the stomach. The band "pinches off" a small section of the stomach that remains connected to the small intestine. This new, smaller stomach can be adjusted by a physician later (with an additional laparoscopic procedure) if you fail to lose a significant amount of weight.
Most patients experience a weight loss of approximately 70% of their excess, pre-surgery weight within 7 years of the procedure. Of course, overall weight loss and long-term maintenance are directly dependent upon the patient's adherence to a reasonable diet.
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