Fast Facts about the Gastric Banding Procedure

• 11,000 procedures performed in Australia 2010.
• Over 60,000 procedures performed since 1994 and 650,000 worldwide in the past 10 years.
• Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Procedure is the most widely used weight loss procedure in Australia.
• The Gastric Band, like a belt, is fastened around the top of the stomach.
• The stomach and intestines are not cut or re-routed.
• The Gastric Band is adjustable and reversible.
• The Gastric Band presses on the stomach creating sensations of fullness.
• The Gastric Band can be adjusted to increase or decrease hunger sensations.
• Only small amounts of food can be eaten at once because of the tiny pouch above the band.
• Patients can lose up to an average of 27kg of their excess weight in 12 months.
• Gastric Banding can be significantly more effective than non-surgical treatments.
• Patients have shown maintenance of their weight loss 3-8 years after their procedure.
• Effective weight loss can lead to either complete control or improvement in obesity related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Most patients stay in hospital for only one day.