Gastric banding uses the same concept of creating a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach as surgical weight loss surgery. However, gastric banding uses a controlled and adjustable stoma, instead of stapling, to limit food intake. It is one of the least invasive approaches to obesity because neither the stomach nor the intestine is cut.

A gastric band device is introduced through tiny incisions in the abdomen and is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into a small upper pouch above the band and a larger pouch below the band. This small gastric pouch limits the amount of food that a patient can eat at any one time. The band has a balloon from the inside that is adjustable so that it can be inflated or deflated at any time after the operation through a tube placed beneath the skin during the procedure. This allows your surgeon to adjust the restriction of your stomach size by injecting saline into a port placed under the skin in the wall of the stomach. This helps the patient continually lose weight until they reach their goals.

Because the band is removable, adjustable and does not permanently alter the anatomy, it provides an option for patients who may not otherwise consider surgery for treatment of their obesity. Other advantages include a shorter hospital stay and no effects on the absorption of nutrients. Again, this surgery isn’t for everyone. Your Arnot Health bariatric surgeon will help you decide which method will be the most effective for you.