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Adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure. It restricts the size of your stomach decreasing your appetite making you feel full sooner and helping you gradually lose weight. Both the Lap Band® and the Realize Band® are approved by the FDA.
Lap Band® surgery and Realize Band® surgery are performed laproscopically with the surgeon making a small number of tiny incisions as opposed to one large incision (open surgery). During the gastric banding procedure a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach and the injection port is attached to the abdominal wall, underneath the skin. The port is connected to the band with soft, thin tubing and allows for adjustments to be made to the band.
The band can be tightened or loosened over time. In a simple office procedure, the surgeon uses a needle to inject saline solution into your band through the port. Adding saline increases the amount of restriction provided by the band, helping you feel fuller sooner and with less food.
The Lap Band® and Realize Band® procedures can be reversed if necessary.
Like all forms of weight loss surgery, adjustable gastric banding has risks associated with it and requires life-style changes post surgery. Behavior modification and dietary compliance play a critical part in determining long-term success. Only a qualified surgeon can help you decide whether or not you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.