Obesity is a dangerous condition that can lead to numerous health problems including sleep apnea and diabetes. Many people who wish to lose weight struggle with dieting and are unable to exercise safely. A gastric band is often a solution in circumstances such as these where the person’s BMI is between 35 and 50.
A gastric band is a band that is placed around the stomach two thirds of the way up. This keyhole surgery divides the stomach into two parts. The first part of the stomach fills quickly, making the person feel full sooner than they might have done before having their gastric band fitted. After a time, the contents of the upper section make their way into the lower section and are processed by the body as usual. The lower quantity of food consumed because of the reduced appetite enables the gastric band patient to lose their excess weight over time. Gastric band prices in the UK have fallen over the past 5 years and gastric band cost can be below £4000 in Europe.
Formerly obese people often find they are left with loose skin. Tummy tuck, arm lift and other similar plastic surgery procedures can help by reducing this excess tissue. Liposuction can help contour the body to give a more toned appearance and breast enlargement and/or uplift can restore the fullness of breasts.