The Lava Bot

If considering pregnancy, ideally the patient should be in optimum nutritional condition prior to conception; deflation of the band may be required prior to planned conception. Deflation should also be considered should morning sickness be present. The band may remain deflated during pregnancy and once breast feeding is completed, or if bottle feeding, the band may be gradually re-inflated to aid postpartum weight loss if needed

Gastric band placement, unlike mal-absorptive weight loss surgery, does not cut or remove any part of the digestive system. Removal would likely require a laparoscopic procedure, after which the stomach usually returns to its normal pre-banded state. It is unusual for gastric band patients to experience any nutritional deficiencies or mal-absorption of micro nutrients. Calcium supplements and Vitamin B12 injections are not routinely required following gastric banding. Gastric dumping syndrome issues also do not occur since no intestines are removed or re-routed.

Statistics indicate that over a 5-year period, weight loss outcome is similar. Weight regain is possible with any weight loss procedures including the more radical procedures that initially result in rapid weight loss. The World Health Organization recommendation for monthly weight loss is to 1 kilogram per week and an average banded patient may lose this amount. Clearly this is variable based on the individual and their personal circumstances, motivation, and mobility.

A commonly reported occurrence for banded patients is regurgitation of non-acidic swallowed food from the upper pouch, commonly known as productive burping. Productive burping is not to be considered normal. The patient should consider eating less, eating more slowly, or chewing their food more thoroughly so that less food is digested into the stomach system. Occasionally, the narrow passage into the larger / lower part of the stomach may become blocked by a large portion of unchewed or unsuitable foodstuff.