The LAP-BAND(r) Adjustable Gastric Banding System* is minimally invasive surgery. A silicone band is placed around the stomach. This creates a small gastric pouch and an opening to the rest of the stomach. The opening can be adjusted to let in more or less food.

Advantages of LAP-BAND(r)  System surgery include:

• The outlet from the stomach is quite small
  
• Patients tend not to be hungry for a period of time
  
• Although the LAP-BAND(r)  System is adjustable and reversible, it needs to be removed in 20 to 30 percent of patients  

Watch the LAP-BAND(r)  System surgery animation.

* LAP-BAND(r) is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.