News
02/12/2013
1. Gastric surgery is a cure for being overweight To many people gastric surgery is simply another option to help a person lose weight. It is often viewed as a cure obesity and a procedure which allows a person to eat whatever they like, do limited exercise and still remain a healthy weight. This is very far front the truth. Gastric surgery will only be performed on a patient who has tried all other, non-surgical options and still cannot maintain a healthy weight. This surgery will also only be performed on a patient committed to making necessary changes to their lifestyle. 2. Gastric surgery is a purely cosmetic procedure Gastric surgery is not carried out in order to allow a patient to achieve a certain look. These procedures will only be contemplated if the weight of the patient is causing health issues and no other form of weight loss has worked. Gastric surgery will assist a person to lose weight in order to be achieve a healthy weight, not to achieve a desired weight. 3. You can choose whatever procedure you want in order to get the body you desire To a certain extent you can choose how your surgery is performed with France Surgery. The medical and surgical teams will take your views into consideration, however, the final decision will be made based on health issues and not your personal desires.
22/11/2013
Orleans is a city in the north-central region of France and is located on the Loire River, providing a picturesque and relaxing place to travel to in order to have a surgical operation carried out. The oceanic climate makes this area the perfect place for patients who are not keen on extremes of weather throughout the year and prefer to enjoy a mild summer or winter. Orleans is host to many fascinating places to visit and discover. The Musee des beaux-art d’Orleans is one of the most well know museums in the city and dates back to 1797 making it one of France’s oldest provincial museums. The collection of art within this museum is very impressive with around 2000 painting which range from all over Europe and date between 15th and 20th centuries. This is not the only interesting museum however. For art lovers there is also the Fine Arts Museum and for history lovers Joan of Arc’s House, Charles Peguy Centre and the City Historical and Archeological Museum. For people who prefer the outdoors Orleans has a number of beautiful parks to be enjoyed such as Anjorrant park, Charbonnière park, Moins Roux park and Parc Floral de la Source.
18/11/2013
When deciding on surgery in another country there are numerous things to consider. Which country to travel to, how you want your surgery to be performed and who you want to perform your surgery are all very important. What people often fail to consider is the aftercare. You can have the best surgical experience possible but of the aftercare is not adequate then you may still experience complications. France Surgery prides itself on being outstanding in all aspects of its’ healthcare provisions, including aftercare. After surgery you are likely to have to spend some recovery time in hospital with the length being determined by the nature of your surgery. Whilst in hospital you will receive the excellent care provided by the France Surgery medical team of surgeons, doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers. Your levels of pain will be managed effectively and you will be encouraged to get up and about as soon as possible in order to aid your recovery. Once you are able France Surgery will transfer you to the comfort of your chosen accommodation where you will continue your recovery under the monitoring of the France Surgery healthcare team. You will even keep in contact with France Surgery once you return home to ensure that no complications arise. Your recovery is very important and France Surgery offer superior aftercare and follow up service to ensure you recovery well.
15/11/2013
Choosing the place that you want to have your surgery in may not seem as important as choosing who you want to carry out your surgery for you. If you have come to the conclusion that France is the country you would like to have surgery in then France Surgery is an exceptional choice. However, the choice does not end there. With clinics in over 31 locations around France you can choose the area that suits your recovery best. Limoges is in the west-central region of France with an oceanic climate, meaning that it does not get too hot in summer or too cold in winter. If you like mild seasons with no extremes of temperature then this is a great place for you to choose to have your surgery. If you will be staying in France after your surgery and want a place that has culture and historical attractions then Limoges has plenty on offer. You can visit the remains of the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre or the 12th century Castle of Chalucet which is a few miles out of the city. Or even the church of St-Pierre-du-Queyroix which houses ancient relics and stained glass windows from the 15th and 16th centuries If your prefer the artistic side to history then there is the Limoges Fine Art museum which house 18th century bishops. If you are recovering from surgery there are many sights to see before you head home. Photo credits: Flickr
13/11/2013
If you have decided that you are going to have a surgical procedure then there are certain ways in which you must prepare for your surgery. Travel arrangements – if you opt for medical tourism then your travel arrangements obviously become a bit more complicated as you need to consider how you will travel to and from the country you have chosen. With France Surgery these travel arrangements are arranged on your behalf by the France Surgery team. Your travel to and from the hospital will also be arranged for you. Pre-operative assessment - 1-2 days before the procedure you will have an assessment to ensure that everything is ready for the surgery and that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Hospital bag – France Surgery will provide you with all the information you need about what to take to hospital with you. Ensure that you have everything you need in order to make your stay more comfortable. Adhere to any advice you have been given – after your assessment you will be informed of anything you must or must not do, e.g. fasting, taking medication or stopping medication. Ensure you follow all of these guidelines. Photo credit: France Surgery
08/11/2013
France Surgery has a lot to offer patients who are considering medical tourism. The level of healthcare across France is of exceptional standard and ranked number 1 in the world by the World Health organization. France Surgery have first class surgical and medical teams waiting to assist in your choices and offering excellent healthcare packages should you choose to have your surgery carried out by them. However, the medical side is not the only consideration why contemplating medical tourism. A patient needs to be happy to travel to chosen destination and to feel comfortable and relaxed enough to recover after the surgery. Marmande in south west France is a great option for a patient who’s not looking for the hussle and bussle of a city and who is not wishing to fill their time with days of tourist attractions. That’s not to say that there are not some fantastic sights. For anyone interested in the history of the area there is the church of Notre-Dame dating from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries and the chapel of St Benoit which dates from the 18th century and has to be seen to appreciate the painted ceilings which represent the Holy Trinity, the Assumption and the Annunciation. With not being a hive of tourist activities, Marmande is a perfect choice for a patient who may not be capable of engaging in many activities before their return home. Photo credit: Flickr
01/11/2013
Brest is located in the Brittany area of north-west France. If you are located in the UK and do not want to travel too far for your surgery then the clinic in Brest is a perfect option. If you are located somewhere further away then Brest really is worth the journey. Not only will you receive outstanding medical services from the best healthcare system in the world, you will also have the amazing culture that Brest contains ready and waiting for you to enjoy whilst you recover. It is unfortunate that Brest does not have a great deal of history due to heavy bombing during World War II, however, this in itself makes Brest a very interesting place to visit and the few monuments that survived, even more worthy of a trip to see. If you choose Brest for your the surgery then you shouldn’t miss out on seeing the Tanguy Tower which houses the Musee de la Tour Tanguy, and Saint-Malo Street, which is the only authentic street from the 17th Century which remains in its’ historical glory. Brest is also well known for the Pont de Recouvrance which is an awesome drawbridge that is 64 metres high. If history doesn’t interest you then there still plenty for you to do. Brest houses botanical gardens that specialise in endangered species and are extremely interesting to spend a few hours wandering around. Photo credits: Flickr
30/10/2013
If you are having an operation you will have lots of questions. Here are just a few: Will I need hormone replacement therapy if I have a thyroidectomy? There is no clear answer to this question as it will depend entirely on what type of surgery you require. If you have all of your thyroid gland removed then it is a definite possibility that you may need hormone replacement therapy. However, if you only need part of it removed then it is less likely. This is a question that your surgical team should answer before you decide on the surgery. Will I have a huge scar? The surgeons that work for France Surgery are extremely skilled and will carry out the surgery in a way which means your scar will run in the same direction as the natural lines of your neck. This means that you scar will be as hidden as possible and will fade over time. How long will I need to be off work for? As long as there have not been any complications during your surgery then you should be able to go back to work after approximately 2 weeks. It is very unlikely that you will be able to return to work in under 2 weeks and you should ensure that you are fully recovered enough to return to work before you do. If you go back to work too early then you risk your recovery time taking even longer.
28/10/2013
There are so many things to consider when deciding whether to have surgery or not. Then once you have decided go forward with surgery you must make decisions about where to go to have it performed and discussions must be had with your medical or surgical team to make sure your wishes are adhered to. You would be forgiven for thinking that would be the end of your decision making and that it is all then in the hands of the surgeon. However, you do have one major choice after your surgery has been carried out – whether you will live a healthy lifestyle during and after your recovery. The choice to live a healthy lifestyle can have a major impact on your post-surgery life and promote longevity of life in general. Whilst you are staying in hospital you will be given advice and information about how being healthy can help assist your recovery and reduce the chance that further surgery will be required. Research has shown that getting out of bed, walking, eating and drinking as early as possible after surgery has a positive impact on recovery. A healthy diet and general exercise as well as specific exercises described by your medical team will also decrease your recovery time, increase your overall well-being and generally make your life happier, healthier and longer. Photo credit: © Eric Simard - Fotolia.com
25/10/2013
Bayonne is a city in the south west of France and a perfect location to consider traveling for high quality healthcare services, excellent surgical teams and a great place to relax and recover after your surgery. Whilst you may have to spend some time in hospital after your surgery it is important to out of bed and up and about as soon as possible. Research has shown that this will help to speed up your recovery. If you have chosen to have your surgery in Bayonne then you will certainly be wanting to get up and about as soon as possible. With so many fantastic sights it will be difficult not to fall in love with this city. The Cathedrale Sainte-Marie is an imposing yet elegant building from the Gothic period which was constructed in the 12th and 13th century and should definitely not be missed. The Musee Bonnat is a perfect visit for art lovers, whilst if liqueur is more your thing then you can visit the distillery of the local liqueur Izarra. Just remember you may not be able to drink alcohol whilst recovering from surgery. There are many tours of the city due to the fantastic history and these can be arranged in any tourist information centre. You can indulge in Bayonne’s other famous product – chocolate! Photo credits: Flickr
23/10/2013
Sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery that will be contemplated for patients who have attempted various other weight loss programmes and techniques. Surgery should be the last option available and only considered once non-surgical treatments have failed. This is because any type of surgery comes with risk and so a person should not undergo surgery unless they need to for medical reasons. The sleeve gastrectomy is a surgery that reduces the size of the stomach and in turn will therefore reduce the amount that a person can eat before they feel full. In France surgeons make a cut into the abdomen and remove the left side of the stomach by anything up to 75%. This leaves the patient’s stomach in the shape of a banana. The surgery can be carried out either by open surgery or keyhole surgery. In order to minimise scarring and reduce recovery time the surgery in France is usually carried out as keyhole surgery. The operation usually takes approximately 2 hours if there are no complications and a stay in hospital of between 3 – 8 days will be necessary depending on recovery time. Research has shown that in France after 2 years patients can have lost 45-64% of their excess weight. Photo credit: © aihumnoi - Fotolia.com
18/10/2013
If you are seriously considering medical tourism or have already decided that it’s right for you but are undecided about where to go to then you have an exciting choice ahead of you. As the highest ranking healthcare system in the world France is the obvious choice, however, with so many clinics there is still a huge amount to think about. Lyon is in the Rhone-Alps region of France, situated in the east-central area between Paris and Marseille. This area of France has a humid subtropical climate which means that the winter is much colder than it is further down in the south of France and the summers are very warm without being unbearably hot. There are many tourist attractions in Lyon that can be enjoyed by patients who are recovering from surgery. Museums such as the Museum of Resistance and Deportation give a fascinating insight into the Resistance movement in World War II, whist the African Museum of Lyon is one of the oldest and popular attractions in Lyon. For people who like the opera Lyon’s Opera Nouvel is a must-visit and the Church of Saint Francis of Sales attracts visitors from around the world and is a great place to visit before returning home. Lyon is also famous for its world class cuisine and so for patients whose recovery leaves them unable to manage full days out, a simple meal in a fine dining restaurant will make leave them feeling thoroughly spolit. Photo Credits: Flickr
16/10/2013
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was an American bill that was signed by President Obama in 2010. As the bill was championed and signed by President Obama, the law has been nicknamed ‘Obamacare’ by both the American people and the government, including President Obama. The purpose of Obamacare is to increase the affordability of health insurance within the United States of America. In turn this is intended to have an impact on the number of uninsured citizens because it will expand the coverage of both the public and private insurance. Arguably the biggest changes will be to the individuals and employers. Obamacare is also intended to improve the quality of the healthcare system in the USA and to reduce the cost of health insurance. Whilst the intention and the aims of Obamacare are to improve health services in America, its implementation is not without controversy and opposition. To many people who already have private medical insurance, Obamacare will not necessarily make a difference as if people are happy with their coverage they do not need to change. However, for people without insurance more options will be made available. For people who are not entirely happy with the system under Obamacare medical tourism is a very real and valid option. Traveling to somewhere such as France where the healthcare system is ranked no.1 in the world is a fantastic opportunity tht can be very competitively priced. Photo Credit: © Ivelin Radkov - Fotolia.com
14/10/2013
It may seem that medical tourism is a much more complicated process than staying in your native country and spending time on a waiting list. However, France Surgery have made the entire process incredibly simple. In fact the process is so simple that from deciding that surgery is the best option for you, to arriving back home recovering from surgery, there are only 10 very easy steps: Step 1 – decide that surgery is the best option for your particular ailment Step 2 – obtain details about all options for your surgery Step 3 – check the France Surgery website to see if your surgery is available. Alternatively call France Surgery for more information Step 4 – request a free, no obligation quote by filling in a simple form. You will be contacted within 48 hours with all the options open to you Step 5 – Fill in pre-diagnostic questionnaires so that your secure file can be created, detailing all your medical information for your doctor or surgeon to access Step 6 – within 1 week you will receive a detailed and personalised estimate of your chosen treatment Step 7 – Accept the treatment plan Step 8 – France Surgery assist in obtaining your Visa, and booking travel and accommodation Step 9 – sit back and wait for your appointment – this is usually less than 7 weeks Step 10 – travel to France, have surgery carried out by highly skilled surgeons, then enjoy a bit of France before travelling home Photo Credit: © jro-grafik - Fotolia.com
07/10/2013
If you are considering medical tourism then you will want to know a bit more about the country in which you may be trusting your health. If you are considering France then you may be interested to know that French surgeons are highly qualified and respected worldwide. With tens of thousands of surgeons registered in France there is certainly not a shortage to choose from. If choosing medical tourism you will have access to a wealth of surgeons who have opted to practice privately. Some may also work within the public health system as French surgeons may choose to combine private and public practice. However, all surgeons who work for France Surgery are of any extremely high standard. The healthcare system in France has been ranked number 1 by the World Health Organisation, meaning that wherever in France you choose to have surgery you will have access to excellent medical care. This high quality healthcare has been achieved due to the French National Authority for Health issuing high-quality requirements which must be met throughout the French healthcare system. All facilities which offer surgery must be accredited and regulated by the French National Authority for Health and so you can rest assured that any clinic you may choose will offer outstanding quality surgery and recovery. Photo Credit: WHO
04/10/2013
Cannes is a French city most famous for the Cannes Film Festival which it hosts every year, attracting a mixture of the world’s hottest movie stars, new rising stars and talented independent film cast and crew. This picturesque city is located in the French Rivera and has a whole lot to offer anyone looking into medical tourism. The Mediterranean climate makes Cannes a favourite for anyone looking for a bit of sun to relax in and recover from surgery. With summertime enjoying 12 hours of sunshine and the winter weather being particularly mild, this is a great place to be able to enjoy the outdoors. If you are not a fan of rain you are also in luck as Cannes has a low amount of rainfall on an annual basis. There are plenty of things for you to do after you have had your surgery which will not hinder your recovery. Taking a leisurely stroll along the Promenade de la Croisette for example, with its stunning beaches and places to sit and have a rest such as luxury cafes and restaurants. Cannes also hosts a range of museums to allow you access to a wealth of culture and if you are interested in the mystery behind the ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ you can visit St Marguerite Island and see the cell where he was held, now renamed Museum of the Sea. You certainly won’t go home from Cannes disappointed. Photo Credits: Flickr
02/10/2013
What is a gastric band? A band which is fitted around the stomach in order to reduce the amount of food that can be consumed before feeling full. This band is attached to a reservoir which can be used to adjust the size of the restriction caused by the band. In what situations is a gastric band used? If a person is morbidly obese and has tried other methods to lose weight without success gastric band surgery may be considered. How is the surgery carried out? In France the surgeons are highly qualified and experienced and are able to carry out this type if surgery by making small incisions and using internal cameras and instruments, rather then opening up a person’s abdomen. This is called keyhole surgery. What happens once the operation is over? Recovery time for keyhole surgery is less than open surgery and disposable stitches should have dissolved in 7-10 days. You may need to have the banding adjusted 2-3 times over the first few months after the operation. Is a gastric band a cure to being overweight? No, a gastric band will be used in conjunction with making healthy changes to a person’s lifestyle. If a person is unwilling to make these changes then a gastric band may be refused. Photo Credit: © Alila Medical Media - Fotolia.com
28/09/2013
I have to say a massive thank you for organising the treatment. Compared to England it was exceptional and with some careful planning I consider you could develop a really successful business. Both appointments went well and there was a lady there to meet me and take me to various places in the clinic. Many thanks for all your assistance. Mr DAVIES, UK, Gastroenterology functional exploration
23/09/2013
Gastric surgery is used to treat people who are dangerously obese. The procedures available to aid weight loss in obese people are only used as a last resort and should not be considered to be an ‘easy option’ to weight loss. Gastric surgery is increasing in popularity with more people becoming unable to control their weight gain with routine exercise and healthy eating. There are 2 procedures which are most commonly performed in France: Gastric band This procedure uses surgery to place a band directly onto the stomach to reduce the size and in turn the amount of food that can fit inside the stomach. This makes the patient feel full and stop eating sooner. Gastric bypass This is a more complex procedure which involves re-routing the digestive system so that the majority of the stomach is bypassed. Again a patient feels full quicker and so eats less. Both procedures are very effective in reducing weight in France but should not be used in isolation. The medical team will want to ensure that the patient is willing to make the necessary changes to keep the weight off, including diet and lifestyle changes. If a patient is committed to these changes then gastric surgery is a fantastic option and what better place to recover than in the French climate. Photo Credit: © aihumnoi - Fotolia.com
20/09/2013
Toulon is the fifteenth largest city in France and is located on the French Riviera, boasting a fabulous Mediterranean climate. If you love the sun then this is definitely a place that you could recover well from any surgery. The climate is hot and dry but the location next to the sea means that the temperature stays moderate and enjoyable. There are many things to do in Toulon, especially for people who enjoy a nautical theme to their sightseeing. With a large military harbour, French naval base and one of the largest harbours in Europe this is certainly an interesting place for sea lovers. There are many museums in Toulon which offer people recovering from surgery a gentle easing into sightseeing as a sit down in the café is always a great option. Some museums carry on the sea theme such as the Museum of the French Navy, however there are plenty that offer different topics, including natural history and art. The old town of Toulon is fantastic for sightseeing with a cathedral, a local market and squares with restored old fountains. Whilst Mount Faron, which dominates Toulon with its’ 584 metres, is an expedition best experienced from the cable cars or left towards the end of your recovery if you are brave enough to attempt its’ incline by road! Photo Credits: Flickr
13/09/2013
Beziers is one of the oldest cities in France and is located in the South, in Languedoc. The southern French climate makes Beziers a fantastic choose to recover from surgery. If you are contemplating traveling abroad for whatever surgery you need then Beziers has a lot to offer. If you are travelling to France for major surgery and will need a lot of rest and relaxation then you may want to plan your trip so that it does not coincide with the Feria de Beziers, a bullfighting festival. During the middle of August this festival takes place every year and lasts for four days. If you are recovering from surgery it is advisable that you avoid this festival, however, if you are travelling to France for minor surgery or you plan in advance so that you are fully recovered you could stay an extra few days and experience the festival atmosphere. It’s still probably not wise to take part! This is not all Beziers has to offer a person recovering from surgery. The warm climate and location close to the Mediterranean Sea promotes happiness and health, whilst there is a wealth of sights to take in while your recovery progresses. Whether you wish to experience the Cathedrale St-Nazaire, the Musee des Beaux Arts or fancy a walk around the Plateau des Poètes containing numerous monuments and statutes. Whatever you stage of recovery there is something to do. Photo Credits: Flickr
06/09/2013
If you want to head further south for your surgery and recovery time then Toulouse should definitely be considered. This beautiful city is situated in the southwestern part of France and is described as having a humid subtropical climate which combines lovely warm sun with refreshing rain showers. Toulouse is a city of culture and has a lot of offer a patient recovering from surgery. Whilst you may not be able to spend the day walking around you may like to sit and soak up the atmosphere at the opera or ballet. The Théâtre du Capitole is perfect for this. When you feel well enough you could visit Le Château d’Eau, the oldest public place in the world that has been dedicated to photography. This nineteenth century water tower was converted to a gallery in 1974 and is a fantastic outing for anyone visiting Toulouse. If you prefer to use your own camera then there are plenty of places to visit at every stage of your recovery. Toulouse is full of ancient and religious buildings to admire and photograph and with the climate being so favourable it is a great day out to take in the sights around you. If you are still feeling a little tired why pop into one of many museums and take a steady stroll around and maybe a snack in the cafe. Once you are up to it you can enjoy the bustling Toulouse night life with bars, clubs, restaurants and casinos. Just don’t overdo it before your trip home! Photo Credits: Flickr
30/08/2013
France Surgery has clinics in over 33 locations around France and no list would be complete without the wonderful capital city, Paris. If you are thinking of medical tourism for any type of surgery then Paris is a fantastic option. The romantic city has plenty on offer to help you on your road to recovery from sedate and tranquil activities when you are first out of hospital to more adventurous and demanding tourist attractions for just before you have to fly home. You cannot visit this famous city and not spend some time admiring the Eiffel Tower, however, this is not all the Paris has to offer. With a mild and fairly dry climate Paris is ideal for sightseeing. Cameras are a must to visit the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame de Paris whilst football fans will be grateful of a trip to the Stade de France. A more relaxing outing to the Louvre could be planned for when you have not quite recovered whilst there is an array of museums, chateaus, palaces and many art galleries to suit anybody’s taste. Once your recovery is well underway you could become a little more adventurous and spend a day in the fabulous Parisian shops, restaurants or even a bar or two in an evening to sample the local wine and fabulous cuisine. If there is a city where you will want to be back on your feet so you can get out and enjoy it, Paris is certainly it! Photo Credits: Flickr
23/08/2013
The World Health Organisation have ranked the French Healthcare System are number 1 in the world. If you choose France Surgery to take care of your medical needs this means that you will be receiving treatment within the best healthcare system the world has to offer with highly skilled doctors and surgeons to ensure your procedures run smoothly. France Surgery does not just offer excellent quality medical treatment and care it also offers convenience. With clinics in more than 33 locations throughout France if you are a resident then you will never have to travel too far to find your local clinic. If you are an international visitor who is choosing a medical tourism package then France Surgery really has made sure you have an excellent choice. Whether you would like your recovery to be in the romantic surroundings of Paris, or you would like to paddle your way through your recovery time in the Mediterranean Sea off the South-East coast in Nice, France Surgery has made these options realities. With so many places to choose from and packages which can include time for you to take in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the climate that France has to offer, France Surgery is the sensible choice. Photo Credit: France Surgery
16/08/2013
Centre For Robotic Surgery: Facts about Enlarged Prostate Gland – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasiacentreforroboticsurgery: Prostate Cancer The prostate is a male reproductive gland that yields the liquefied that transmits sperm during ejaculation. It environs the urethra, the pipe through which urine passes out of the body. The prostate gland (just called prostate from now on) is found only in men. It lies…
09/08/2013
There is a great deal of information to understand before deciding on whether to have gastric bypass surgery. However, knowing a few facts will help you decide if gastric bypass surgery is for you and whether France is the best place for your surgery to take place. Gastric bypass surgery is a very common procedure performed for the purpose of weight loss. The way in which this is achieved is to reduce the size of the stomach by up to 90% and to bypass part of the digestive system so that less food is absorbed. In France this procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and in most cases by laparoscopy, which leaves fewer scars and generally heals quicker than any alternative. The length of time the operation takes is approximately 2-3 hours and recovery time in hospital is usually between 4-8 days, possibly up to 2 weeks for procedures with no complications. In terms of weight loss, gastric bypass surgery in France is a very successful procedure. On average, patients of French Surgeons experience loss in the region of 70 – 75% of excess weight. There are many options in France for both citizens and international visitors to achieve dramatic weight loss by accessing gastric bypass surgery in a safe, clinical and regulated environment. Photo Credit: © France Surgery
02/08/2013
There are many types of surgery which are designed to facilitate weight loss. Gastric band weight loss surgery, or gastric banding, is a popular and successful choice. The surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic and usually by a laparoscopic procedure, meaning fewer scars and quicker healing time. On average the surgery takes approximately an hour to complete. A surgeon fits a gastric band onto the patient’s stomach which leaves a small pouch available for food to enter. This means that when the patient eats, they feel full quicker than before the surgery and stop eating sooner. Less food consumption means less weight. The gastric band is fully adjustable after the surgery by passing saline solution through access ports and inflating the band to the required size. Patients can often have the gastric band adjusted for up to 2 years after the procedure has been carried out to ensure that the gastric band remains effective. Gastric banding is an effective procedure for weight loss with average losses of 40-60% of excess weight achieved by French surgeons. When thinking about weight loss surgery, gastric banding should be considered for the fact that it is a relatively simple and quick procedure, with only a few days of recovery time and excellent weight loss results. Photo Credit: © J Evans - Fotolia.com