Gastric Banding

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

One surgical treatment option for the condition of Obesity is the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB).

• This is a keyhole procedure requiring a short hospital stay.
• It involves the insertion of a silicon ring around the upper stomach.
• This ring holds up the passage of food and creates a small pouch above where it is placed, which restricts portion size.
• With a gastric band or “lap band surgery,” there is also a profound effect in reducing hunger, which is not yet fully understood.

How gastric band surgery works for weight loss:

• Several weeks after surgical insertion, the gastric band is filled with saline.
• This is accomplished by an injection through the skin on the abdomen into a chamber which connects to the band via a tube.
• The saline-filling of the band then places extra pressure on the stomach and starts the process of dietary restriction and weight loss.