Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Procedure overview

In this procedure, an adjustable gastric band is placed laparoscopically around the upper stomach to create a small stomach pouch. This small stomach receives food first when one eats and gives the feeling of early fullness and satiety with a small amount of food.

The adjustable gastric band is a restrictive saline filled silicone band placed around the upper stomach. The restriction created by the band around the upper stomach can be adjusted by the volume of saline. Saline is added or withdrawn from the band by the use of a special needle inserted through the skin into the reservoir port.

This reservoir port is usually placed in a subcutaneous pocket on the abdominal wall. In most patients, this reservoir port can be felt through the abdominal skin. This operation does not involve any cutting or removal of the stomach and hence is considered the simplest and safest weight loss operation.

Whilst this operation is considered permanent, the band can be removed ie the operation can be reversed if necessary. Adjustments to the band require a visit to your surgeon.

This can be a problem if you live a long distance from someone trained in these adjustments.

Source : ANZMOSS