Achieve long-term weight loss with a gastric band in Melbourne, a minimally invasive procedure that helps you feel full sooner. Dr Mo Atalla at BetterLife Surgery tailors every treatment to your needs, ensuring safe, effective results with ongoing support from our experienced bariatric team.
Shrink Your Stomach
With an Adjustable Band
A gastric band is an adjustable silicone device placed around the upper part of your stomach to limit food intake and promote weight loss. This minimally invasive, reversible weight loss surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch, helping you feel full with less food. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, the band can be adjusted or removed if needed. Dr Mo Atalla personalises every treatment, ensuring you receive the right support for sustainable, long-term weight management.
*Individual Results May Vary
Benefits of Gastric Band:
- Minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery time
- Adjustable to suit your weight loss progress and needs
- Reversible, with the option to remove the band if necessary
- No permanent changes to the stomach or intestines
- Lower risk of nutritional deficiencies compared to other bariatric surgeries
- Shorter hospital stay, usually performed as day surgery
- Supports gradual, controlled weight loss over time
- Requires no stapling, cutting, or rerouting of the digestive system
How Does Gastric Band Promote Weight Loss?
A gastric band in Melbourne creates a smaller stomach pouch, which limits the amount of food you can eat at one time. Placed around the upper part of the stomach, the band slows the passage of food, helping you feel full with smaller portions. Because it does not alter the digestive system, food is absorbed normally, but portion control leads to a reduction in calorie intake. The band can be adjusted by inflating or deflating it with saline through a small port under the skin.
Beyond restricting food intake, the gastric band influences hunger-regulating hormones such as ghrelin. By reducing stomach expansion, the band helps lower ghrelin levels, decreasing hunger and cravings. This combination of reduced food intake and hormonal changes supports gradual, sustainable weight loss while maintaining normal digestion.
How Much Weight Can I Lose With Gastric Band in Melbourne?
With a gastric band, you can typically lose 50–70% of your excess weight within the first two years. Your results will depend on factors like your commitment to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and follow-up adjustments. Dr Mo Atalla and our bariatric team provide ongoing support to help you achieve and sustain your weight loss goals.
Potential Side Effects or
Risks of Gastric Band:
- Nausea or vomiting, especially during the adjustment period
- Acid reflux or heartburn due to pressure on the stomach
- Difficulty swallowing if the band is too tight
- Band slippage, which may require adjustment or surgery
- Infection at the port site or around the band
- Band erosion into the stomach wall in rare cases
- Need for ongoing adjustments to optimise weight loss and comfort
- Possible inadequate weight loss if dietary guidelines are not followed
Life After Gastric Band: What You Can Expect
Adjusting to life after a gastric band in Melbourne requires commitment to new eating habits and regular follow-ups. You will need to eat smaller portions, chew food thoroughly, and focus on nutrient-rich meals to ensure steady weight loss. The band is adjustable, so Dr Mo Atalla will work with you to fine-tune it for comfort and effectiveness. Regular check-ups with our team help monitor your progress, address any concerns, and adjust the band as needed.
Gastric Band FAQs
How Is the Gastric Band Procedure Performed?
The gastric band is placed using keyhole surgery under general anaesthesia. A small, adjustable silicone band is positioned around the upper stomach, creating a smaller pouch. A thin tube connects the band to a port under your skin, which allows for adjustments over time. The surgery usually takes 30–60 minutes, and most patients can return home the same day.
Can the Gastric Band Be Removed?
Yes, the gastric band is reversible. If necessary, it can be removed through keyhole surgery. However, removal may lead to weight regain if lifestyle changes are not maintained. Dr Mo Atalla will discuss all options and help you make an informed decision.
Will I Need to Take Vitamins After Gastric Band Surgery?
Unlike other bariatric procedures, gastric band surgery does not significantly affect nutrient absorption. However, some patients may still need vitamin supplements, especially if their diet is limited. Regular blood tests help monitor your nutrient levels.
Is Gastric Band Surgery Right for Me?
Gastric band surgery is best suited for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher who have struggled with weight loss through diet and exercise. Dr Mo Atalla will assess your health and weight loss goals to determine if it’s the right option for you.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Gastric Band Surgery?
Recovery is usually quick, with most people resuming normal activities within a week. However, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for four weeks. You may experience mild discomfort or bloating initially, but this improves as your body adjusts. Dr Mo Atalla and our team provide detailed post-operative care instructions to support your recovery.
When Can I Start Eating Normally After the Procedure?
You will follow a staged diet plan, beginning with liquids for the first few days, then progressing to pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually solid meals over several weeks. Eating too quickly or not chewing thoroughly may cause discomfort, so it’s important to follow the dietary guidelines provided by our BetterLife Surgery bariatric team.
How Often Will I Need Band Adjustments?
Band adjustments, also known as “fills” or “deflations,” are done to optimise weight loss. Initially, you may need adjustments every few weeks to find the right level of restriction. Over time, fewer adjustments are required, but regular follow-ups remain essential.
Why Choose Dr Mo Atalla in Melbourne?
Dr Mo Atalla is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and an experienced bariatric surgeon dedicated to helping patients achieve safe, long-term weight loss. The gastric band is a controlled, adjustable approach that supports gradual weight loss without altering your digestive system. If you’re considering gastric band surgery in Melbourne, schedule a consultation with Dr Mo Atalla to discuss your weight loss options.
