Synchrony Health Chicago has extensive experience with the surgical procedure, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND®, REALIZE™ Band). The best way to determine if gastric banding is right for you-is to come in and talk to us.
The decision to recommend surgical treatment for weight loss requires a careful assessment of the risks and benefits in each individual case. Sixty-two percent of the US population is overweight or obese. Obesity places you at increased risk for multiple serious, potentially life-threatening medical conditions, but there is universal agreement that substantial, long lasting weight loss should be the treatment goal for these patients. We know that the majority of obesity-related medical conditions will resolve or significantly improve if we can achieve substantial, sustained weight loss. Some of those conditions are:
Ideally, patients are well informed, motivated, and have acceptable operative risks. They should be able to participate in treatment and long term follow-up.
The NIH criteria for weight loss surgery include a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with presence of serious co-morbid conditions. Synchrony Health Chicago has participated in research studies reviewing gastric banding (LAP-BAND®, REALIZE™ Band) for patients below BMI 35. Contact the office for more information.
Since childhood obesity is a growing problem, Synchrony Health Chicago has developed programs to meet their needs including gastric banding (LAP-BAND®, REALIZE™ band). We know that 75% of obese children become morbidly obese adults so it makes sense to consider a low risk surgery that could prevent serious health risks in the future. Contact the office for more information about our adolescent program.
As one of the most experienced and skilled gastric band surgeons in the country, Dr. Watkins has performed gastric banding on patients with a wide range of conditions, including: