How Adjustable Gastric Banding is Performed
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, like divided gastric bypass surgery, involves restricting the stomach size. However, the process of restricting differs and is both adjustable and reversible.

The procedure is done laparoscopically through 4-5 small incisions in the abdomen. A silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach which creates a small pouch. The stomach holds less food and Induces feeling of satiety. The procedure is done in most patients as an outpatient procedure and takes about 1 hour of operative time. Many patients are able to return to work in 1-2 weeks. The Lap-Band System is adjustable. The silicone band around the stomach is hollow and by adding or removing the saline, the band can be made tighter or looser. Adjustments are made to meet individual weight loss needs. The band must be adjusted every 6-8 weeks during the first year after surgery in order to restrict the amount of food you can eat thereby inducing more satiety and weight loss.
 

 Advantages of the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band

The band is adjustable and customized per each patient and can be removed if deemed necessary. It is the least invasive option and it involves no stomach stapling, cutting or intestinal rerouting. Therefore the lap band has the lowest operative complication rate and has a very low risk of malnutrition. 

 Disadvantages of the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
The procedure produces much slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass and the procedure relies on regular follow-up for optimal results. Both adjustable gastric banding and gastric bypass surgery aid in weight loss by limiting the amount of food the stomach will accommodate before feeling full. The gastric bypass has the added weight loss benefit of bypassing a regulatory muscular valve at the end of the stomach known as the pylorus. If patients eat the wrong kinds of food such as high-calorie, concentrated sweets they will experience bloating, diarrhea, nausea and cramping as food passes into the intestine at an unregulated speed. This does not occur after lap band surgery because the stomach is left intact.