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
How it Works
How Gastric Banding Works
The gastric banding procedure works by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold by placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach. There is no cutting or stapling needed to divide the upper stomach pouch from the lower stomach. Unlike stomach stapling, the gastric band can be adjusted to suit your needs. During the gastric band surgery, the surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdominal wall. Using laparoscopic techniques, a silicone adjustable band is secured around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch. At UCSD Medical Center, we use both the LAP BAND and the REALIZE Band, depending on individual patient profiles. The stomach pouch created by the adjustable band controls the amount of food taken in. It allows a small amount of food to pass through, delaying the emptying of the stomach into the intestines. This process creates the sensation of fullness sooner and over time, hunger decreases. The procedure takes about 40 minutes and can be performed on an outpatient basis with no required hospital stay. Recovery times may vary, but patients can generally return to work and normal activities within 4 to 7 days. Because the surgery uses laparoscopic techniques, patients experience less post-operative pain, recover more quickly, and are able to return to normal activities sooner in comparison to other forms of bariatric surgery.Minimally Invasive
The band is connected to tubing which attaches to an access port fixed beneath the skin of the abdomen. The port cannot be seen and can only be felt when pushing on the abdomen. The port and tubing allow for adjustments.
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.
