Gastric Band
Adjustable gastric band is a restrictive type of weight loss surgery. It involves placing a silicone band with an inflatable inner collar around the upper stomach to restrict food intake. This creates a small pouch and a narrow passage to the lower stomach. This small passage delays the emptying of food from the pouch and causes a feeling of fullness. The silicone band can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage.
The stomach needs to heal from surgery before the first fill. So the first adjustment won't occur until around six weeks after surgery. Gastric bands usually need to be adjusted after the surgery. These fills are done to make sure the band is not too tight or too loose and/or to encourage continued weight loss. Band adjustments are painless, and our surgeon can make them during a regular visit.
