University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity
Gastric Band Surgery – For more information, call 1-800-926-UCSD
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Dr. Santiago Horgan, a specialist in minimally invasive surgery, was among the
first surgeons trained to do gastric banding. He now teaches other surgeons in
using both the LAP-BAND System and the new REALIZE Band.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.
Enter your weight and height using Standard or Metric measures
Glossary of Terms
Understanding Bariatric Surgery Terms
The following terms are frequently used in discussing gastric band surgery, weight loss surgery and weight loss in general. Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB): This is the generic term for the banding process. Aftercare: A general term comprising the ongoing post-surgical fluid adjustments to the band, fluoroscopy, and nutritional counseling our patients receive. Bariatrics: A field of medicine encompassing the study of overweight and its causes, prevention, and treatment. "Bandster": A person who has undergone the gastric banding procedure. Barium swallow: An X-ray test used to define the anatomy of the upper digestive tract. The test involves filling the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines with a liquid material (barium). Body Mass Index (BMI): The most widely used measurement for obesity. The BMI approximates body mass using a mathematical ratio of weight and height [(weight in kg ÷ height in meters squared) or (weight in pounds ÷ height in inches squared x 703)]. A BMI of 30 or more is regarded by most health agencies as the threshold for obesity. A BMI of 40 or more generally qualifies as morbid obesity. However, note that BMI measurements in body-builders and athletes may not be accurate determinants of obesity because the BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Comorbidity: A medical condition that exists in addition to, and is caused or worsened by, obesity or any other primary disease being studied or treated. With sufficient weight loss, obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea generally improve or completely resolve. Fill: A syringe injection of saline into the submuscular port in order to increase the pressure of the band around the stomach. This is the process that allows doctors to adjust the pressure of the band, thus affecting the amount of food patients are able to eat and how quickly their food drops into the lower stoma. Fills are usually first given 4 weeks post-op. Fluoroscopy: A video x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. As far as banding goes, this involves swallowing a barium liquid and having the doctor or radiologist watch its progress to the lower stoma, to ensure the patient isn't over-restricted. Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure in which a tiny scope is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision(s). This procedure minimizes surgical risk, recovery time and long-term scarring. PB - Productive burping: This is a Bandster term that refers to the regurgitation that most Bandsters will experience at least once in their Bandster lives when they have eaten more or larger pieces than than can be passed through the stoma. Since the food has not been digested, there is no odor, stomach acid, or retching involved but there may be a varying degree of phlegm that accompanies it. PB episodes may last anywhere from 1 minute to two hours, depending on the individual and circumstances. After a PB episode, under most circumstances, it's best to refrain from eating at that meal and let the stoma rest. Plateau: A period of time, at least 2 to 4 weeks, whereby a Bandster maintains (instead of losing) weight. It is common for post-op patients who are 4-10 weeks out to experience a plateau before getting their first fill. Many Bandsters take a plateau at any point as a sign that they need to get another fill. Port: This is where the surgeon will inject fluid in order to increase pressure on the band. Many people can feel their ports under the skin & especially as they lose weight. The area around the port is often tender for several weeks post-op and can become sore if the surrounding muscle is stretched or worked too vigorously. Pouch: This is the "upper stomach" that is created when the band draws the entire stomach into an hourglass shape. This is where your food will go after swallowing, where it will slowly pass through the stoma into the lower stomach and through the digestive tract. Restriction: This is the feeling of being able to eat only small amounts of food. Some Banded patients talk of "passive" restriction when their band is empty, wherein they are able to feel full on less food but where they feel no pain if they overeat. As the band is filled, the tighter the restriction should feel. Stoma: The stoma is the outlet to the stomach at the end of the esophagus around which the gastric band is placed during surgery. By adding or subtracting saline solution in the gastric band during a fill, the restriction at the stoma can be adjusted.
Gastric Banding Advantages
Our bariatric program specializes in gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy (the gastric sleeve) and gastric bypass. Our expertise ensures you will have the highest quality of care and support.
