The Medical University of South Carolina's weight loss surgery program performs two surgical procedures for the treatment of obesity. The program currently offers the Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding procedures. Below is an overview of the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band procedure. If you have questions about gastric banding or the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass we encourage you to contact us directly. Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Procedure
This procedure induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach. Gastric banding restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.
Minimally Invasive Approach
During the gastric banding procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments rather than a large incision), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, gastric banding patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.
Least Traumatic Procedure
Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach rerouting involved in the gastric banding procedure, it is considered the least traumatic weight loss surgery when compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The laparoscopic approach to the gastric banding surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the gastric band needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original "pre-banding" form. Adjustable Treatment
The gastric band procedure is the only adjustable weight loss surgery available in the United States. The diameter of the gastric banding is adjustable to meet your individual needs, which can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.
To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with saline solution. The gastric band is connected by tubing to a reservoir, which is placed well under the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the reservoir with a fine needle through the skin.
 Risks of this procedure | 
