Gastric Banding

What is Gastric Banding Surgery?

Gastric banding is a restrictive operation in which a band is placed around the outside of the upper stomach, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the rest of the stomach.

How it works

By tightening or loosening the band, the rate that food travels from the upper to the lower stomach is controlled, and patients are satisfied by smaller meals that fill the small upper pouch. The adjustable gastric band is surgically implanted during a short, laparoscopic procedure. A port is placed under the patient’s skin which allows for adjustments to the band after surgery by filling or removing saline. Over time, the tightness of the band is adjusted to help you continually meet your weight loss goals. During an adjustment, saline (a safe fluid) is delivered through the port into the band balloon, making the band fit more snugly around your stomach. Saline, can also be removed from the band. After an adjustment, you’ll feel full sooner, stay satisfied longer, and maintain gradual weight loss. Fast and easy band adjustments take place at your surgeon’s office, clinic, or hospital. Your first adjustment will probably be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery.

Advantages of Gastric Band Surgery

Patients who have gastric balloon surgery can expect to lose 40% of their excess body weight.