[Top: Mdm Alison Lau, 40, used to be classified as morbidly obese. At 105kg and 1.58m tall, the mother of three decided to take drastic measures. In 2003 she booked herself in for gastric banding surgery to dramatically reduce the capacity of her stomach. Now, more than 40kg lighter and down from a 4XL dress size to an M.]

MALAYSIA: THE adjustable gastric band is the newest, simplest and least invasive surgical weight-loss procedure.

First approved by the FDA in June 2001, the gastric band is used to reduce the size of the stomach by positioning it around the upper part of the stomach. This forms a small gastric pouch that holds a smaller amount of food, creating the sensation of fullness sooner and for a longer period of time.

One unique advantage is the band's adjustability. During the surgical procedure, saline is injected into a port which tightens the band and increases the amount of restriction around the stomach. This results in reducing the amount of food that you can consume. If the band is too tight the surgeon can remove saline from the port.

Because the adjustable gastric band only restricts consumption, nutritional absorption still occurs, minimising the risk of vitamin deficiencies.

In addition, the stomach and the intestines stay intact and no part of the digestive system is rerouted. However, the band restriction results in a slightly slower weight loss.

This story was first published in The Star on Dec 14, 2008.

The Star/Asia News Network