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Obesity affects approximately one in three Americans, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are a variety of treatment options to achieve a healthier lifestyle. You can, for instance, choose diet, exercise or prescription weight-loss medications like Orlistat and Sibutramine. However, if those options do not work, you may consider the gastric band procedure.
Features
Your surgeon places an inflatable band tightly around the upper part of your stomach to create the illusion of a smaller stomach. The gastric band stays in place and prohibits you from eating large meals.
Significance
The band allows you to consume smaller meals and feel fuller longer. The latter increases the amount of time your stomach takes to digest your food.
Benefits
The best part about the procedure is that you may sustain steady, slow weight loss. Also, the gastric band can be adjusted if your doctor requires it.
Warning
For gastric banding to work it must be accompanied by a change in behavior. To sustain your weight loss you'll have to change your habits regarding exercise and food.
Considerations
Complications from this procedure include blood clots, pneumonia, infection and nutritional deficiencies.
Source:
Mayo Clinic: Obesity: Treatments and Drugs
University of California, San Diego Medical Center: Gastric Banding
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