Gastric banding was approved by the FDA in 2001. During the gastric banding procedure, a small band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. As with stomach stapling, the small size of the pouch means that you feel full sooner. But the band can be adjusted in size by inflating or deflating the band. This allows the health professional to adjust the size of the opening between the pouch and the stomach. The average cost of gastric banding is $2500 and can run up to $5000.
Gastric banding can be done by making a large incision in the abdomen or by making several small incisions and using small instruments and a camera to guide the surgery.
In order to be considered for gastric band surgery, your body mass index must be at least 40 or greater. Surgery may also be performed when your BMI is 35 or higher and you have a life-threatening or disabling condition that is directly related to your weight.
Your doctor may only consider doing surgery if you have not been able to lose weight with other treatments.
Other considerations for gastric banding surgery include:
• You have been obese for at least 5 years.
• You have no history of alcohol abuse.
• You do not have untreated depression or another major emotional disorder.
• You are between 18 and 65 years of age.
All surgeries have risk, and it is important for you and your medical professional to discuss your treatment options to decide what is best for your individual needs. Your physician can also provide you with an exact cost of the gastric banding procedure that you will be having.
OnlineSurgery.org is a leading resource for cost of gastric banding information. Search for a cosmetic surgeon near you today!
