Gastric Band (Adjustable Gastric Banding)

Gastric band is a surgical procedure for weight loss where a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. This pouch fills quickly, making the patient feel full sooner and reducing food intake. The band is adjustable; when filled with liquid, it tightens to slow the passage of food, which is why it is also called adjustable gastric banding.

How Is Gastric Band Surgery Performed?

The gastric band is usually placed laparoscopically under general anesthesia through four small incisions of 0.5–1 cm each. The band wraps around the upper part of the stomach, creating a pouch of 20–30 ml. There is no cutting or stitching of the stomach involved. The procedure typically takes about 60 minutes.

Food collects in the small upper pouch and slowly passes into the lower part of the stomach. This delayed passage causes a feeling of fullness. Patients need to chew well and eat slowly to prevent nausea or vomiting.

Who Are Candidates for Adjustable Gastric Band?

Gastric banding is suitable for patients who have struggled with obesity for over five years and have a BMI between 35 and 50. It is not recommended for morbidly obese patients with a BMI over 50. The surgery requires commitment to lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, to be effective.

Possible Side Effects and Complications

• Band slipping (moving up or down)

• Gastritis or ulcer formation

• Erosion of the stomach wall requiring band removal

• Port infections that might necessitate removal if antibiotics are ineffective

• Potential damage to the stomach or intestines during surgery

• Complications related to the port, which may need minor surgery

• Port inversion, preventing band adjustments

• Over-tightening leading to vomiting

Benefits of Gastric Band

Patients generally lose 50–60% of their excess weight within the first year. Many obesity-related conditions improve significantly or resolve, including asthma, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis in joints, type 2 diabetes, and depression.

Important Considerations

While gastric banding is less effective than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, it offers an adjustable and less invasive option. However, as a foreign material remains in the body, there is a higher risk of complications. About 25% of patients require band removal within five years, and many of them may need a second obesity surgery.