According to the Department of Health*, obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the UK with one in four adults affected. Obesity is not a simple problem to fix, as many people have trouble losing weight through diet and exercise.

The Department of Health* has said that obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the UK with one in four adults affected. It is not a simple concern to fix as many people have trouble losing weight through both diet and exercise.

Gastric banding is also known as lap banding; this procedure aims to make you feel full after eating a small portion of food. It works by restricting the capacity of your stomach, which leads to eating less and losing weight.

The procedure is done by placing a band around your stomach to create two compartments, keeping a narrow opening between the top and bottom so that food can pass through it slowly. As there is a limited space for food, it quickly creates the sensation of fullness. Once the food passes through the opening into the lower part of the stomach, it then makes its way through the rest of the digestive system.

The procedure for the gastric band is done by keyhole surgery; this requires a general anaesthetic. The entire surgery lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, but requires the patient to stay overnight to recuperate and recover. Adjustments can be made to the gastric band during follow up appointments depending on how much weight you are losing, and how quickly you are losing it.

Those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more can be suitable for a gastric band; they can also be used by patients with a BMI of 35-40 who suffer from other weight related diseases such as diabetes.

Nonetheless there are risks as well as benefits, as with all procedures, and it is important to weigh these up before proceeding. Your doctor will illustrate the risks associated with the surgery, such as the possible slippage of the gastric band, which can lead to blockages and needs urgent correction.

*Department of Health (2009). Obesity. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/publichealth/healthimprovement/obesity/index.htm

Philip Youngwood is a freelance writer who writes on a number of health issues, including weight loss treatments such as gastric banding surgery.

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