Obesity is a condition in which an individual’s body fat ratio is elevated to the point that general health is impaired and the capacity for specific heath complications as well as the likelihood of mortality is increased. Often referred to as a disease, obesity is in fact recognized as a serious clinical problem as well as a public health problem in certain countries.

When obesity reaches the stage that the sufferer’s short-term health is sufficiently compromised and long-term health is mortally threatened, then recommendations other than diet and exercise are often made by physicians.

Procedure information
Invasive procedures, while often deemed last resorts, can be among the most effective means of controlling what is termed morbid obesity. Of the surgical techniques commonly practiced, adjustable gastric banding is frequently recommended for individuals with a body mass index of 40 or higher.

The procedure involves the surgical application of a silicon band around the area at the upper end of the stomach, the purpose of which is to restrict the patient’s food intake by effectively reducing the stomach’s total capacity for solid or liquid matter. Gastric bands are applied under a general anesthetic via keyhole laparoscopic surgery, are fully adjustable to allow for future tightening or reducing, and in no way interfere with the stomach’s regular digestive process.

Recovery time
Discharge from the hospital is within a couple of days of the procedure, after which a period of a week to 10 days should be observed before returning to work. Patients are required to follow a strict liquid diet for up to a month after surgery with the gradual introduction of solids, beginning with soft high protein foods before progressing to meats, vegetables and grains. Vigorous activity is not recommended until at least 6 weeks after the procedure.