Saint Francis - Memphis Center for Surgical Weight Loss made regional news Friday when a medical team used a recently-approved adjustable band to treat three patients by dramatically reducing the size of their stomachs.
All were at least 100 pounds heavier than their recommended weight. All underwent the procedure hoping that the band, sold as the Realize Adjustable Gastric Band, will help them lose weight. The band, which won federal approval in September, joins similar devices already on the market.
“Gastric bypass is still the gold-standard. But a lot of people are still scared of gastric bypass because they are scared of changing their anatomy and rerouting their intestines,” said Dr. Virginia Weaver, the center’s medical director. Surgeons commonly use staples to create a dramatically smaller stomach pouch and then link it to a surgically shortened section of the digestive system.
For those willing to accept more gradual weight loss, Weaver said research suggests adjustable bands are as effective for weight loss and in curing type-two diabetes. The bands go around the stomach. The resulting stomach can hold just a half-cup of food or liquid.
Patients who opt for bypass surgery typically lose 60 to 80 percent of excess body weight within 18 months, Weaver said. In comparison, patients who choose the band take two to three years to lose 55 to 60 percent of excess weight. After five years, the weight loss is comparable, Weaver said.
Complication rates for both procedures are low and death rates even lower.
Weaver predicted interest in the adjustable band will grow following a recent study that showed it helped people lose enough weight to send their type-two diabetes into remission.
Have you had surgery to help you lose weight?
One of my sisters-in-law took the plunge and late last year underwent gastric bypass surgery. She’s already dropped nearly 40 pounds, but it hasn’t been easy. The surgery itself wasn’t difficult. But she said it’s been unexpectedly tough to join everyone at the dinner table and be able to eat just a bite or two.
If you took the plunge, let us know about your experience with the surgery. If you are considering it, how will you decide?
February 11th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I was one of these three! I’m recovering nicely and am looking forward to the reason I did it, a healthier lifestyle with the weight loss as the bonus.
So far, I have found it difficult not to indulge in the sweets my children eat, the meat that my family eats (pork chops, steak are out for me) and the limited portion size. But I working on it (the mental aspect).
Thanks for writing this article. And for not making it sound like an outrageous option to weight loss.
February 13th, 2008 at 2:54 am
This is a total waste. There is no support for the band patient like there is for the bypass patient. A friend had this surgery overy a year ago. The fees for adjustments are horrible, there is no follow up nutrion visit. it appears they do the same thing your medical doctor does give you a diet and tell you to follow it. If these people could follow it, they wouldn’t be looking to have this surgery..
February 29th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
***update***
Well, I had my first “fill” on Wednesday (27th). And it was alittle difficult for me. A bit painful, but more uncomfortable. My belly was numbed (with a needle, but after that it was numb) and then she had to search for the port. It was very uncomfortable, the feeling of her sticking the needle my stomach and poking it around. It seems like an eternity, but really it only took about 5 minutes. The port with this new band is smaller so she had to feel for it with her hand then with the needle. That will be great for me later once the weight is off because it won’t be so noticeable under the skin. i hope someone out there thinking they may undergo this procedure isn’t discouraged by this information. I was really nervous too when I was there, I was foolish and didn’t take anyone with me to hold my hand. So I was probably tense, which didn’t help.
Anyway, afterwards I was asked to drink a small cup of water before leaving to ensure that it wasn’t too tight. It wasn’t.
And actually I don’t think its tight enough, but the first couple of fills are “tries.” i go back in a month to get another “fill.”
I’m happy to report that I’ve lost 5 and half pounds in my first month and the band wasn’t even tightened at all.
I’ll write again. P.S. To “Memphisbraf” who spoke of her friend and the Band. The Band isn’t a fix all, with immediate results. It’s a different option. There’s a bit of work to be done to lose with the band. NO MAGIC. The doctor that your friend used should have introduced her to a nutritionist and should have offered a support group. Tell her to check with the group at St. Francis, if that’s not where she went. I believe that they allow anyone in the groups. And don’t knock a procedure if you personally haven’t undergone it. Be supportive of her.
Thanks for listening.
Cheryl
April 4th, 2008 at 11:24 am
*** update #2 ***
… Fill #2 …
Not much change in my weight… -3lbs. Now I’m going to tell you that I feel like it’s more just because I can tell in my clothes, but I was a bit disappointed. The doctor said she didn’t expect any loss, so three pounds was good. She said it will take at least three visits to find just the right tightness. It’s been a couple of days, and again I don’t think it’s tight enough, but I’m going to give it a week. And I don’t think I’ll wait a whole month to go back.
The fill was much the same as last time. It was difficult to find the port and painful. Not like getting a tooth pulled (even though I’ve not had that done, but have heard it’s painful), but like getting an IV or blood drawn painful. Just uncomfortable.
Still no regrets. Still happy with my choice. However you want to say it. I’m going to be honest though, it’s not going fast enough. I’m walking and trying to eat right. And although 3 pounds is good, I want 13. Faster would be better. But I’m optomistic and hopefilled!