What is Adjustable
Gastric Band Surgery?
At the NIX Health Care System, the only weight loss procedure we perform is the laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band surgical weight loss procedure. Studies have shown this procedure to be safer than gastric bypass surgery. Support after the surgery is just as important in helping you achieve your weight loss goals. The NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center is proud to provide monthly support group meetings as well as on-line support groups.
Advantages of Adjustable Gastric Banding
Minimally Invasive Approach
During Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) surgery, surgeons generally use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient’s abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you can intake. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.
Least Traumatic Procedure
Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the AGB procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the band needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.
Fewer Risks and Side Effects
- Short Term Mortality Rate is 10 times less than that of Gastric Bypass
- Lower Risk of nutritional deficiency as seen in Gastric Bypass patients
Adjustable Treatment
AGB is also the only adjustable weight loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren’t experiencing significant weight loss can have their band tightened.
The co-medical directors of the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center, Gerardo E. Cárcamo, M.D. and J. Keith Wright, M.D.*, have been performing the minimally invasive band surgery in San Antonio, Texas since 2003 as part of their complete weight loss program. Each doctor is a certified and highly skilled bariatric surgeon.
*Drs. Wright and Carcamo are independent practitioners on the active medical staff of the NIX Health Care System.