Gastric banding caused more complications than weight loss

About 220,000 people underwent weight-loss surgery in 2009, up since 2000 when 36,700 operations were performed, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Gainesville, Florida. Gastric banding represents about one-third of that total. Almost half of patients undergoing gastric banding for obesity needed to have the device removed, often because of erosion, according to a study that found the treatment caused more complications than weight loss. “I personally no longer perform band gastroplasty, but I think it is defendable for surgeons to continue doing this,” said Jacques Himpens, the study’s lead author who works with the European School of Laparoscopic Surgery at Saint Pierre University Hospital in Brussels. “Patients should not expect too much from the procedure. If they do get the operation, they must commit themselves to lifelong and very tight follow-up.”

SLIMR™ gastric band, the sensation of a smaller stomach suggested through hypnosis

Tooley has developed a multi-faceted 27-week weight loss protocol that combines the power of the sub-conscious mind with the appetite-limiting features of a gastric band. Tooley's unique program provides a lower risk, lower-cost option for those considering lap band surgery, or for whom diets do not work. The "SLIMR™ gastric band," is making its debut in the United States at the Tooley Weight Wellness Clinic in Torrance, California. "The sensation of a smaller stomach suggested through hypnosis offers results similar to a physical gastric band inserted by laparoscopic surgery, commonly called a lap band. The mind is very powerful, and what you think becomes real for you," says Duncan Tooley, CHt, Certified Medical Hypnotist and developer of the program.

Read more on: The Medical News

Gastric banding with one small incision

Gastric banding is an important weapon in the war chest of the bariatric surgeon - but it typically requires five incisions and a considerable recovery time. But a new technique just coming into use needs just a single incision to accomplish the task of gastric banding, that is, tying off the top portion of the stomach so that food flow is restricted and slowed down. When the small, top part of the stomach is full, it signals the brain, which tells the body it's no longer hungry.

This can lead to large reductions in weight for the morbidly obese, who are the only category of patients allowed to undergo the surgery.



With the new procedure, a single incision is made in the navel. Therefore, it's not surprising that the new surgery is called single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). Laparoscopic refers to a device with a video camera attached that's inserted through the incision to allow the doctor to see inside the abdominal cavity.

"SILS is an important new option that holds the potential of less pain, fewer scars and quicker recovery," explained Shawn Garber, chief of bariatric surgery at Mercy Medical Center on Long Island, who also heads the New York Bariatric Group. "And most patients report that they can barely notice the single incision hidden in the bellybutton."

The procedure is completed using a special camera to see around obstructions and special graspers with a curved tip.

"There's a current revolution in minimally invasive surgery: Can we make laparoscopic surgery better by decreasing the number of incisions?" said Dr. Daniel Scott, associate professor of surgery and director of the Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "The theory behind this, not yet proven, is that fewer scars are better cosmetically and for pain control. The pain may be less because you alleviate additional cuts, and therefore the recovery may be hastened."

Source: Empowered Doctor