Adjustable gastric banding is a method of restrictive weight loss surgery (bariatric) designed for obese patients who generally have a body mass index (BMI) of between 35 to 40.

The gastric band itself is an inflatable silicone prosthetic device which is placed around the top portion of the stomach via keyhole laparoscopic surgery. The placement of the band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach which holds approximately 50mls. This pouch 'fills' with food quickly and the passage of food from the top to the bottom of the stomach is slowed. Once the Banding is applied to the patients stomach that part of the stomach thereafter sends a message to the brain that the stomach is full, this sensation then helps the person to eat smaller portions, eat less and therefore lose weight over time.

There have recently been several new versions of the gastric band made available which are much more reliable than those the previous which ones. The newer versions are easier for the surgeons to fit and maintain and also tend to be more comfortable for the Patients. but the main improvement is that slippage of the bands has been reduced thus preventing many re-fits of the gastric band.

The band is inflated /adjusted via a small access port placed just under the skin of the patient. Radio opaque isotonic solution or saline is introduced into the band via this port. A specialized needle is used to avoid damage to the port membrane. There are several port designs and they may be placed in varying positions based on the surgeons preference. The port is generally sutured in place to maintain stability of the port access point. When fluid is introduced into the band, it then expands placing pressure around the outside of the stomach. This decreases the size of the passage in the stomach and restricts the movement of food. Over a period of time, restriction is increased until the patients feel they have reached a point where optimal weight loss can be reached with the minimal fluid required. This is an individual experience and timing cannot be predicted which means that several visits and consultations may be required to fine tune the tightening the amount of fluid and total content required for each individual patient

Gastric Banding Surgery does not cut, mutilate, or remove any part of the digestive system. Subsequent Removal of the Band would require a keyhole procedure and the stomach usually returns to its normal pre-banded state.