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If you are struggling with obesity … consider weight-loss surgery at Aiken Regional.

If you're one of the 10 million people in the United States who is severely overweight and have tried just about every diet and weight-loss method there is, help may now be available at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
Laparoscopic gastric banding is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a surgeon places an inflatable band around the upper part of your stomach. The band reduces the size of your stomach pouch and narrows its outlet to limit the amount of food you can eat, and give you a greater feeling of fullness.

The Benefits Of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
Patients who are severely overweight (100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight) can lose 60 to 80 percent of their excess body weight and keep it off after having laparoscopic gastric banding surgery at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

Other benefits of the procedure include:

• Improved body image and great self-esteem
• A more active lifestyle
• Reduction or elimination of weight-related health problems including high cholesterol, sleep apnea, gastric reflux disease and Type 2 diabetes.
• Weight-loss surgery can also reduce your risk for high blood pressure and some types of cancer.

Preparing For Weight-Loss Surgery
Aiken Regional Medical Centers has developed a three-month process to help you decide if weight-loss surgery is right for you. In addition to meeting health-related requirements, you should also be prepared for the significant lifestyle changes necessary after your surgery.

The first step you should take is to attend one of Aiken Regional's free seminars to learn more about the procedure. After you've attended a seminar, and if you decide to move forward, you'll need to schedule an appointment with our bariatric coordinator, who will help determine your initial eligibility.

If you are eligible, the bariatric coordinator will also help you take the next step: scheduling appointments with a nutritionist, exercise therapist, psychologist and the surgeon's office.

If you qualify for surgery, you will be able to use an online resource that lets you and your surgeon collaborate on a custom plan that focuses on helping you establish healthy eating habits, increase your physical activity and improve your emotional well being. The online resource also allows you and your surgeon to monitor your progress after surgery and compare it to your recorded goals.

Is Weight-Loss Surgery Right For You?
Weight-loss surgery may be right for you if:

• You are between 18 and 65 years of age.
• You are at least 80 pounds overweight, depending on other health conditions.
• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 35.
• You have tried other weight-loss methods without success.
• You are medically stable and physically able to withstand surgery.
• You successfully complete all required preoperative testing.