Gastric banding procedure most popular know as LAP BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band, is a restrictive bariatric procedure. Adjustable Gastric Band is an inflatable band that is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a new small stomach pouch with most of the stomach below the ring. The new small stomach pouch, which is about 1 ounce in size, produces a "full" or "satisfied" sensation with just a small amount of food. This effect depends on the size of the opening of the gastric band.

The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band has an inflatable bladder along the inner portion that can be inflated with sterile saline to make the opening smaller. The saline is injected through a port that is placed under the skin and fat and is connected by a hollow tubing. This is done gradually over time with repeated "fills." LAP-BAND® is the most common form of weight loss surgery in Europe and Australia. Approved by the FDA, it is usually performed laparoscopically. It is one of the least invasive approaches to obesity because neither the stomach nor the intestine is cut. The amount of weight you lose depends both on the band and on your motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle and eating habits.

The LAP-BAND® System can help you achieve longer-lasting weight loss by: limiting the amount you can eat reducing your appetite slowing digestion.

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