Gastric Banding

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center is the only healthcare facility in the Rockford area that offers gastric banding as a tool for weight loss in those who are obese. Dr. Vafa Shayani, independent surgeon affiliated with OSF Saint Anthony, offers the procedure to obese adults who meet certain criteria.

Lap-Band Gastric Banding: Another Tool in the Obesity Battle

Many people wage a courageous battle to lose weight – and keep it off. Yet, despite repeated attempts and various diets, success has been elusive. Now there is one more weapon available to fight obesity. The Lap-Band® system is a minimally invasive procedure. The gastric adjustable banding surgery is not for those who want to lose 10 or 15 pounds. It is intended for those who are severely obese, have serious weight-related health problems and have not had success with diet and exercise plans. High blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, heartburn, asthma and certain types of cancer are all associated with obesity.

Advantages of the Banding System

With the gastric banding system, stomach size is reduced. People cannot take in the same amount of food, and the feeling of fullness lasts longer. Weight loss tends to be gradual, which can reduce the risk associated with rapid weight loss.

Gastric banding is not as invasive as gastric bypass and has a lower complication rate. Many patients can go home from the hospital the same day and may be able to return to work within a week. The banding is adjustable and can be tailored for an individual’s needs.

“Once patients lose weight, their joint pain eases,” Dr.Shayani reports. “Some are able to get off their medications or prevent the need for medicines to control blood pressure or type 2 diabetes."

Essential Lifestyle Changes

Deciding to undergo the gastric banding procedure requires a firm commitment. Prior to being considered for the surgery, patients must complete six months of a dietitian or physician-supervised diet and undergo evaluations by a psychologist, dietitian and other specialists.

Gastric banding is a successful tool in weight loss, but patients must make the commitment to adjust their diets and to exercise.

The decision to undergo gastric banding is not a sign of failure. Most patients have tried everything – diets, medication, exercise – with limited or no success. Gastric banding is not an easy fix or magic bullet, but it is a great tool and a treatment that shows success for many people.

Free seminars about gastric banding are offered once a month at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.  Please click on the "Classes and Events" tab for dates, times and locations.

For an appointment with Dr. Shayani or more information, call (815) 227-2274.