Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding was first performed in 1994. However, due to band-related problems, banding procedures in the U.S. have decreased from 24 percent of all bariatric procedures in 2008 to 3 percent of procedures in 2016. We now perform newer alternatives to band surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

How Gastric Banding Surgery Works

With gastric banding, an adjustable band is placed around the top of the stomach like a belt, creating a 1-2 ounce pouch above the band. A port implanted under the skin next to the belly button is used to inflate a balloon inside the band with saline, thereby narrowing the entry to the stomach and limiting the amount of food that can be consumed. Through injections of saline, the size of the pouch can be adjusted.

Adjustable gastric banding is useful for people who either do not wish to permanently alter their gastrointestinal tract, or who are higher risk patients (e.g, those with other medical problems or older age groups). This method does tend to have slower weight loss and overall less weight loss when compared to other procedures.

Ideal Candidate for Gastric Banding Surgery

• Has a BMI ≥40
• BMI ≥30 with one or more obesity-related co morbid conditions
• Needs to lose less than 50 pounds
• Can maintain a post-operative diet <1,500 calories/day
• Enjoys participating in an exercise program and is willing to adopt an active lifestyle

Benefits of LAP-BAND® Band Surgery

• One-hour procedure with same day or next day hospital discharge
• Recovery time ranges from a few days to a few weeks
• Stomach pouch size can be adjusted to meet individual needs
• Only type of bariatric surgery that is adjustable
• Fully reversible/removable when needed
• No effect on absorption of foods, nutrients and vitamins
• Most insurance plans cover procedure

Banding Procedures – Considerations and Risks

• Provides slower weight loss (1-2 pounds per week) than other procedures
• Average excess weight loss is 30 to 50 percent
• Appetite suppression and a comfortable feeling of fullness may be difficult to achieve
• Potential complications include band slippage, erosion, breakage, prolapse and infection
• 10-year removal or reoperation rate is approximately 25 percent of patients
• Least effective for resolving chronic, insulin-dependent diabetes
• Requires lifetime supplementation with vitamins and calcium
• Need to restrict certain types of food and limited drinking fluids with meals