Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding was first performed in 1994. However, due to band-related problems, banding procedures in the U.S. have decreased from 24 percent of all bariatric procedures in 2008 to 3 percent of procedures in 2016. We now perform newer alternatives to band surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.
With gastric banding, an adjustable band is placed around the top of the stomach like a belt, creating a 1-2 ounce pouch above the band. A port implanted under the skin next to the belly button is used to inflate a balloon inside the band with saline, thereby narrowing the entry to the stomach and limiting the amount of food that can be consumed. Through injections of saline, the size of the pouch can be adjusted.
Adjustable gastric banding is useful for people who either do not wish to permanently alter their gastrointestinal tract, or who are higher risk patients (e.g, those with other medical problems or older age groups). This method does tend to have slower weight loss and overall less weight loss when compared to other procedures.