Most SAGB's (Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band) are fitted by the laparoscopic or minimal invasive method.
Fitting the SAGB is a purely restrictive surgical procedure. The band is applied around the top part of the stomach. The band narrows the stomach and divides it into a small part and a larger part, in the shape of an hourglass. The diameter of the stomach opening is that of a little finger and the size of the small stomach pouch is 15 ml.

With the gastric band, food passes through the digestive system in the normal manner, so that it can be fully absorbed by the body.

The gastric band brings on an early feeling of fullness. You will feel that eating only a little bit of food is enough to fill the stomach pouch. As a result, you will no longer feel hungry.

However, this does not necessarily mean that you will feel satisfied. In the beginning you will probably want to carry on eating. However, you should not do so. It is extremely important that you learn to recognise the feeling of fullness quickly and stop eating immediately. When you recognise the feeling of fullness the SAGB will help you avoid “over-eating” and this will help restrict your overall daily food (calorie) intake. It is inherent in the nature of the SAGB procedure that you will eat less, feel less hungry, and gradually lose your excess weight.

You will find it difficult to eat certain types of food. You will need to chew most foods better than you did prior to the operation. This will lead to a healthier lifestyle with a reduced risk of disorders (co-morbidities) related to obesity.

However, simply reducing the stomach is not enough in itself. You will need to change your eating habits. Although the SAGB method will help you achieve sustainable weight loss, it is not a slimming method that works all by itself.

To be efficient you must adhere to a low fat diet, rich in vitamins and fibre. Sugar-rich drinks and foods are out of the question. You must realise that that there is no quick solution to your excess weight problem, even after the operation.

The weight reduction process takes place gradually and requires patience. The results of every slimming programme can vary depending on your motivation to stick to the diet and exercise guidelines.

It is of the utmost importance that you follow the postoperative diet and behavioural rules if you are to lose weight successfully and avoid complications. Listen to the advice given by our Obesity Team and follow the guidelines strictly.

On average, patients lose about 30% (one third) of their excess weight in the first 12 to 18 months after the operation. Scientific studies have shown that 50% of the excess weight stays off after 15 years. Diet and exercise programmes result in only 8 to 10% weight loss over the same period.

Other studies have shown that 96% of some health problems resulting from obesity (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, depression and back pain) improved or disappeared after surgery.