Gastric BandGastric Band News and Information

While gastric bands and gastric balloons tend to be better known, gastric bypass procedures can prove an even more effective treatment for those who are classified as morbidly obese.

Typically, gastric balloons are recommended for those with a body mass index of 25 to 30, while those with a BMI between 30 and 40 are generally better candidates for a gastric band.

However, gastric bypass operations are reserved for those with a BMI above 40, who are classed as morbidly obese.

But weight-loss is not the only benefit of a gastric bypass – the long-term mortality rate of patients can be reduced by up to 40%.

The latest research shows that eight in 10 UK men will be overweight or obese by 2020 and the consequences are a predicted growth in cancer, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Obesity surgery could play a key role in ensuring the long-term health of the British public.

How does a gastric bypass work?

A gastric bypass procedure separates the stomach into a small upper pouch and a larger, lower pouch. The small intestine is then rearranged to allow both pouches to stay connected to it.

The result is a smaller ‘functional volume’ of the stomach, a different response to food and, therefore, weight-loss.

In a gastric balloon procedure, a balloon is inserted into the stomach and inflated, again reducing the volume of food that can be consumed, while a gastric band loops round the stomach and can be tightened or loosened, to allow more or less food to be consumed.

Visit Gastric Band Info for more advice on any of the procedures.