Advantages and Disadvantages of the gastric band
The gastric banding system is designed for laparoscopic placement, utilizing the advantages of reduced trauma, reduced postoperative pain, fewer hospitalizations and faster recovery. No cutting or stapling of the stomach is required, and no bypass of parts of the abdomen or bowel is necessary. If necessary, it can be removed.
Regarding changes in eating habits, the issue of initial weight loss is much slower than bypass procedures (such as gastric bypass) and requires more frequent follow-up by the physician. There are a greater number of post-procedural complications and OR re-interventions, weight loss is slow and satisfaction is not achieved as fast compared to bypass surgeries.
In the case of all conventional bariatric surgery, you may face malnutrition and shortages along with fluid and electrolyte imbalances. In addition, this surgery can cause fluid and food blockage, due to the occurrence of swelling post-surgery.
The biggest challenge is the leakage of the band with expansion of the reservoir, along with esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux, which in some of the cases requires removal of the band and other procedures such as gastric bypass.
