View animation of adjustable gastric banding (Windows Media Player required)

Adjustable gastric banding, commonly known as Lap-band® or Realize Band™ surgery, is surgery to limit the amount of food you can eat at one time. An adjustable band placed around your stomach creates a small pouch. Because the pouch can only hold a small amount of food, you feel satisfied faster and longer.

When you eat less, your body stops storing extra calories and instead uses fat reserves for energy. The result is gradual weight loss.

In general, patients lose:

• 32% of their excess weight at one year post-operation
• 30% of their excess weight at three years post-operation

A tube connects the band to an access port placed under the skin in your upper abdomen. The surgeon controls how much food the pouch can hold by changing the tightness of the band. A fine needle is placed in the access port and saline is added to or removed from the band.

• If the band is too loose, weight loss is too slow because the food is entering the stomach too fast. The surgeon will make the band tighter by adding saline.
• If the band is too tight, the surgeon will adjust the band removing some saline.

Gastric banding provides a way to combat hunger and overeating. This may sound like an easy answer but this surgery requires major, life-long changes in your eating habits, and your attitude about food, exercise and movement habits.

Every day you will need to make the right food and exercise choices. If you do not choose well, this surgery will not help control obesity.

Are there risks to Laparoscopic band surgery?

This surgery does carry risks. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, blood clots, narrowing of your pouch, anesthesia risks, hernia and ulcers. Death from weight loss surgery is a risk but it is not common.

Please discuss potential risks with your surgeon.

What happens during recovery?

You will need to commit to a lifestyle of healthful eating and regular exercise for the rest of your life. This will help you avoid re-gaining weight and help you manage your health.