What is Adjustable Gastric Banding and How is it Performed?

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding operation involves placing a silastic “belt” around the upper part of the stomach. The “belt” essentially separates the stomach into two parts: a tiny upper pouch and a larger lower pouch.The gastric band is connected by tubing to a port or reservoir that sits below the skin of the abdominal wall. The port cannot be seen (and often cannot be felt) from the outside.

Inside of the “belt” is a balloon that can be filled by placing fluid through the port. As the balloon is filled, it slows the passage of food from the upper pouch into the lower pouch. As the band is progressively filled, patients will feel “full” with smaller amounts of food. You will work with your surgeon to determine the number of band fills or adjustments appropriate for you.

Click below to view the Gastric Banding procedure.

As with any procedure there are advantages and risks associated with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, see below: