The Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB) Adjustable Gastric Banding-is a form of restrictive weight loss surgery since is allows for limited food intake.  The gastric band is an inflatable silicone prosthetic device which is placed around the top portion of the stomach via laparoscopy surgery. The placement of the band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach which holds approximately 15 ml. This pouch 'fills' with food quickly and the passage of food from the top to the bottom of the stomach is slowed. As the upper part of the stomach believes it is ‘full’, the message to the brain is that the stomach is full and this sensation helps the person to eat smaller portions and lose weight over time.  This surgery is low risk and has the advantage of being adjustable and is fully reversible.

Most studies show that that the weight loss during the first year after the surgery was between 40%  to 50%.   With correct and sensitive adjustments, the weight loss can be up to 60% within a three year period.