Gastric Banding (Lap-Band®)

Adjustable gastric banding is a weight loss surgery that surgically implants the ReShape Lap-Band®, it is the brand of gastric band that is available in the US and FDA approved for weight reduction for patients with obesity.  The adjustable gastric band has the component of a soft silicone tube that is adjustable and inflatable, placed at the top portion of the stomach like a ring.  This component is connected to a tubing that is connected to the port that is placed underneath your skin and subcutaneous tissue.  Your surgeon can adjust your band by injecting saline fluid into the port which inflates the ring around the stomach, creating a small pouch above the gastric band with a narrow opening into the lower part of the stomach.  The small pouch will fill up quickly when you eat and make you feel full faster with smaller amounts of food.  The gastric band adjustments can involve injecting or removing fluid from the band and therefore tighten or loosen the band.  The adjustable gastric band can help a patient lose weight while making diet and activity changes.