Who should get gastric banding?
Television presenter Fern Britton has caused controversy after it was revealed that her recent weight loss followed a gastric band operation, and was not simply down to dieting and exercise.
But how does a gastric band work, who should receive them, and is there still a stigma attached?
For some obese people, attempts at conventional dieting and exercise will fail, and their weight means a far higher risk of health problems later in life. It is at this point that their doctor may suggest gastric banding.
The principle is a simple one. Most people eat when they feel hungry, and when their stomachs are full, they stop. The operation leaves a silicone loop tightened about three-quarters of the way up the stomach, creating a much smaller space at the top, with a tiny gap leading to the rest of the stomach.
Much less food is needed to fill up this little “pouch” at the top, at which point the person feels full. The “pouch” then slowly empties through the gap into the rest of the stomach, and appetite returns.
Dr Ian Campbell, Medical Director of the charity Weight Concern, said: “If you reduce the volume of food you can comfortably put in your stomach, you’ll eat less.” The NHS does offer gastric banding, but many people choose to have the operation privately, at a cost of around £7,000.
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Vita Clinics offer gastric band surgery as well as other weight loss procedures. Visit Vita Clinics.
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Fern is a fantastic example of an intelligent woman who has clearly tried everything to lose weight in the past and failed. Well done to her for her amazing weight loss – I think she looks truly great, it’s just a shame she felt that she had to hide the fact that she had had a band fitted.
Gastric Banding is a proven successful operation for many people. However, like any form of surgery, it is not an easy option and requires the patient still to make lifestyle changes so that they work with it. Good long-term aftercare is essential to help people maintain their weight loss and improve their health in the long term – any patient who has had poor or no aftercare (Both Fern Britton and Anne Diamond had their band abroad with little or no aftercare)will testify to this! Also, people should choose their surgeon carefully. The health changes afterwards can be incredible – diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure can all disappear. Banding is not right for everyone. Other procedures such as gastric bypass or even sleeve gastrectomy may suit other patients better. If in doubt get expert, specialist advice – nurse specialist, dietician or expert surgeon. Vita Clinics website is useful for clearly informing which patients might benefit from which procedure. Hope this helps…..