Young boy to receive weight-loss operation at Netcare St Anne's Hospital

The procedure, which is aimed at helping obese individuals reach and maintain a healthy weight, has already assisted Blaine's mother to lose 30kgs. Blaine's aunt also underwent the surgery, undertaken by the same doctor, only two months ago.

“Obesity is associated with conditions such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, gall bladder disease, several cancers, insulin resistance and lower back pain, to name but a few. A gastric band limits the amount of food that the stomach can hold, making a person feel fuller much sooner and thereby helping them to eat less. Weight loss then becomes much easier and with it a healthier life,” explains Dr Dick Brombacher, the specialist bariatric surgeon at Netcare St Anne's Hospital who has performed Blaine's procedure.

According to Dr Brombacher surgery might sound like a drastic measure, but when managed by a holistic team of specialists whose primary objective is safety, expert clinical governance and the sustainability of treatment it becomes a very realistic alternative for obese patients.

“Having a gastric band inserted is actually not an invasive procedure, which means it is a ‘scalpel-free' operation. It is also completely reversible and it has a very high success rate - one could lose between a half and two thirds of one's body weight.”

In South Africa 50% of women are overweight and 15% of those are morbidly obese. This means that almost 1,8 million of SA's women are in this predicament while nearly a million of our men also fall in this dangerous category.

Dr Brombacher's personal series of 117 gastric band procedures to date started in May 2005, with the initial patients now all reaching their goal weights.

Blaine's mother, Diane, is another of Dr Brombacher's patients. Diane suffered from severe back problems as a result of excess weight that she carried. By the time she went to see Dr Brombacher she had already undergone two back operations.

“Since I had the gastric band inserted I have lost 30 kilograms and I have not had any need to undergo another back operation,” she says. “I am truly thrilled with the results. I am able to lead a much healthier lifestyle now, which is why I suggested that Blaine undergo the same operation. The success that it is helping me to achieve with my weight has also inspired my sister to undergo the procedure.”

What happens during a gastric banding procedure?

During a gastric banding procedure an adjustable stomach band is inserted around the upper part of the stomach through a laparoscopic procedure, dividing the stomach into two parts (pouches). The upper pouch is very small while the lower one consists of the rest of the stomach.

There is also a balloon contained in the inside surface of the band, which is slowly filled during the first visits to the doctor. This is done through a small reservoir which is positioned under the skin in the abdomen. During the post-operative visits the surgeon makes the opening smaller or larger by injecting saline into the reservoir, through the skin. It controls the size of the opening between the upper and the lower pouch. A small diameter allows slower emptying maintaining satiety for much longer.

Who qualifies for a gastric band procedure?

· Patients with repeated failed attempts at behavioural and medical therapy;
· Patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or a BMI of greater than 35 with serious co-morbid conditions;
· Patients between the ages of 16 and 65 years;
· Patients who are capable of understanding this procedure and its implications;
· Patients who are committed to prolonged lifestyle changes that will require immense discipline;
· Patients who are committed to long-term follow-up.

“Weight loss surgery is not something that one can consider lightly, and the patient must be ready for long-term follow-ups,” warns

Dr Brombacher. “Candidates for surgery must be given the opportunity to try weight loss by conservative means before considering gastric surgery. In addition, any weight loss surgery should be performed by an experienced and accredited surgeon in a clinical setting with adequate support for all aspects of pre, peri- and postoperative care.”

Blaine, however, is looking forward to the healthy and happy life that, thanks to his gastric band, he will have a much better chance of achieving. The team that will help him to achieve this includes a specialist anaesthetist, GP, physiotherapist, dietician, psychologist, Dr Brombacher and, of course, the theatre staff.

“And I have the support of my mother and my aunt, who both have undergone the same procedure, as well as the rest of my family and friends,” he says.

Released on behalf of Netcare Limited
by Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA)