Adjustable gastric banding is a method of restrictive weight loss surgery (bariatric) designed for obese patients who generally have a body mass index (BMI) of between 35 to 40.

The gastric band itself is an inflatable silicone prosthetic device which is placed around the top portion of the stomach via keyhole laparoscopic surgery. The placement of the band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach which holds approximately 50mls. This pouch ‘fills’ with food quickly and the passage of food from the top to the bottom of the stomach is slowed. Once the Banding is applied to the patients stomach that part of the stomach thereafter sends a message to the brain that the stomach is full, this sensation then helps the person to eat smaller portions, eat less and therefore lose weight over time.

There have recently been several new versions of the gastric band made available which are much more reliable than those the previous which ones. The newer versions are easier for the surgeons to fit and maintain and also tend to be more comfortable for the Patients. but the main improvement is that slippage of the bands has been reduced thus preventing many re-fits of the gastric band.

The band is inflated /adjusted via a small access port placed just under the skin of the patient. Radio opaque isotonic solution or saline is introduced into the band via this port. A specialized needle is used to avoid damage to the port membrane. There are several port designs and they may be placed in varying positions based on the surgeons preference. The port is generally sutured in place to maintain stability of the port access point. When fluid is introduced into the band, it then expands placing pressure around the outside of the stomach. This decreases the size of the passage in the stomach and restricts the movement of food. Over a period of time, restriction is increased until the patients feel they have reached a point where optimal weight loss can be reached with the minimal fluid required. This is an individual experience and timing cannot be predicted which means that several visits and consultations may be required to fine tune the tightening the amount of fluid and total content required for each individual patient

Gastric Banding Surgery does not cut, mutilate, or remove any part of the digestive system. Subsequent Removal of the Band would require a keyhole procedure and the stomach usually returns to its normal pre-banded state.

COMMON GASTRIC BANDING PROBLEMS

It is unusual for gastric band patients to experience any nutritional deficiencies or malabsorbtion of micronutrients. Gastric dumping syndrome issues also do not commonly occur with gastric band surgery since no intestines are removed or re-routed.

Weight regain is possible with ANY weight loss procedures including the more radical procedures that initially result in rapid weight loss. World Health Organisation recommendation for monthly weight loss is

Dog heartworm medicine is important because you need to give your dog heart worm medicine so that you can prevent him from getting heart worm disease. Heart worm disease can ultimately kill your dog if they get a bad case of the disease. You never want to put yourself or your dog in regret because you decided not to get the heartworm medicine. Vets across the country recommend this medicine for your dog just like a doctor would recommend a vaccine for yourself or for your child. You need to treat your dog as if he was one of your children when it comes to making sure they don’t get sick. The heartworm medicine will help prevent the disease from getting into the dog and can also help kill once it is in the system, but if you’re dog is not already on a heart worm medicine then you should consult your vet before giving it to him.

There are different kinds and brands and prices for this medicine. Prices vary from store to store and even vary from vet to vet. Why take a risk of your dog getting the disease? Your best bet is to seek your advice of your vet before you go and purchase a heart worm medicine. Certain medicines may not be good for small dogs and certain medicines not work on your dog because of a certain medical condition or the dog’s weight. Never let it go without seeing a vet for his needs.

The dog heart worm medicine will prevent more than it will cure but it will the best decision that you will ever make regarding the care of your dog. You will feel lucky to have your dog live a long healthy life because you give him heartworm medicine. A couple of name brand medications can be found in retail stores and online. The vet may even offer it in a form that could be easier for the dog to take. Do not go without getting this medicine. The dog needs the medicine once a month for him to stay healthy and you can spare enough money to give him or her medicine for one time a month.