Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is the least traumatic weight loss operation. This is a form of restrictive weight loss surgery, in which a soft silicone band is placed around the top of the stomach to create a small pouch, which holds in the region of 30mls. There is no stapling or cutting of the stomach. In less than 2% of cases, keyhole surgery is not possible and a larger incision is required. The small stomach pouch means that a sensation of fullness is reached at an earlier stage and with smaller amounts of food and therefore reduces the quantity of food you can eat at one time.

There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach and it is usually reversible by a repeat key-hole operation though this is rarely necessary.

The band is connected by narrow tubing to a port, placed just below the skin at the time of surgery. Injecting fluid into this port at an outpatient visit gradually tightens the band and increases the restriction if weight loss is slowing down. People who undergo laparoscopic gastric banding can expect to lose at least 60% of their excess weight and many obesity-related illnesses improve significantly, especially type 2 diabetes. The complication rate of this operation is low.

All surgery is associated with some risk - however, the risks of gastric banding are low (<1% risk of serious complications). The Weight Loss Surgery Clinic will provide you with full information about the specific risks of this type of surgery.