How It Works

Adjustable gastric banding helps you achieve sustainable weight loss by limiting how much you eat, reducing your appetite and slowing down digestion.

The band is made out of silastic which is an inert material used in medical devices and has been subjected to rigorous scientific testing. It does not break down or deteriorate over time and can be safely left inside the body for life.

During the procedure, the surgeon places the adjustable gastric band around the upper stomach. It creates a small stomach pouch, with the larger part of the stomach below the band. The band controls the opening between the two parts of the stomach. Your new, small upper stomach can only hold a small amount of food at a time, so you feel full sooner and eat less. The band creates a narrow passage from your upper stomach to your lower stomach. Because it's narrow, it takes food longer to pass through it and get digested, which means you feel full longer, and don't feel hungry between meals.

Want to see the LAP-BAND^® System in action?

Watch the animated banding video

It’s adjustable

The adjustable gastric band provides completely customized weight loss because it is fully and easily adjustable. The band is attached to tubing which is connected to a port that lies under the skin and fat of the abdominal wall. At the time of your procedure it is sutured to the muscle of the abdominal wall. It is deep beneath the skin and cannot be seen. If your band is too tight or too loose (i.e. you are losing weight too quickly or not fast enough), the doctor can adjust the tightness of the band by adding or removing saline solution as needed to ensure adequate weight loss.

Your commitment is key to success

The adjustable gastric band is an effective tool and will work if you are committed to using it properly. The band will not resolve obesity on its own; your success depends on both regular follow-up and on your commitment to new eating habits. A complete program setting is one of the best ways you can learn to use the adjustable gastric band because you are ensured adequate follow-up and excellent patient care.