As the name implies, adjustable gastric banding surgery involves your bariatric surgeon placing a silicon adjustable gastric band around the top portion of your stomach.  This surgical weight loss procedure can be reversed more easily than other weight loss surgeries and is adjusted based on your progress and your specific nutritional needs.  Adjustable gastric banding allows you to lose weight gradually by reducing the amount of food you can intake.

Less surgical risk is associated with the adjustable gastric banding surgery as there are no anatomical changes to the digestive system, also eliminating the risk of malabsorption.  Adjustable gastric banding is also considered the least invasive of all weight loss surgeries as no cutting, stapling or stomach rerouting is involved.  When completed laparoscopically, adjustable gastric band patients experience less post-operative pain, reduced hospital stays and increased recovery time.

The adjustable gastric band provides an additional advantage for women.  The band can be adjusted if a patient becomes pregnant, allowing for more food during gestation.

Advantages of adjustable gastric banding

• Can be adjusted to meet your weight loss and nutritional needs
• Most easily reversible weight loss surgical procedure
• Adjustments are easy and can take place in your surgeon’s office
• Can be safely adjusted for women who may become pregnant
• Less invasive weight loss surgical procedure.  No anatomical changes
• Fewer risks and quicker recovery than other surgical weight loss procedures

Disadvantages of adjustable gastric banding

• The procedure does not guarantee weight loss.  Gastric banding restricts food intake, but does not bypass the lower stomach, therefore high-calorie liquids such as shakes or sugared fruit juices or sports drinks may lead to weight gain.
• Patients typically lose weight more gradually than with other surgical approaches
• Regular follow-up visits required for optimal results
• Adjustments are required for successful outcomes