Adjustable gastric banding is performed by placing a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach; neither the stomach nor the intestine is cut. This creates a small gastric pouch which limits the amount of food that a patient can eat, resulting in a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts of food.

The amount of weight you lose depends equally on the band and on your motivation and commitment to a new active lifestyle and healthy eating habits.

Adjusting the size of the opening between the two parts of the stomach controls how much food passes from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. This adjustment is done by injecting or removing saline from the band. Being able to adjust the band is a unique feature of the LAP-BAND system and is a normal part of the follow-up process.

Because the band is removable, adjustable and does not permanently alter the anatomy, it provides an option for patients who may not otherwise consider surgery for treatment of their obesity. Other advantages include a shorter hospital stay and no effects on the absorption of nutrients.

Estimated weight loss varies widely. Patients can achieve approximately 40 percent to 50 percent excess weight loss over two years.

 

Adjustable gastric banding