Gastric Banding:

 

Facts and Complications

 

The History

 

Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the gastric banding is one of the least invasive treatments for morbid obesity in the United States.  It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.  Since its clinical introduction in 1993, almost 150,000 Lap-Band procedures have been performed around the world, more than 30,000 of which were in the US. 

 

Complications Specific to Gastric Banding

 

Adverse Events: Placement of the gastric band is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible causes include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and infection due to a foreign object having been implanted in the body. Please read the risks of surgery in the FAQ section of the website to have a better understanding of the whole picture. Some of the complications that are unique to the gastric banding are:

 

Not all contraindications or adverse events are included in this brief description. These should be discussed directly with Dr Ellner.

 

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