Adjustable Gastric Band
Adjustable Gastric Band
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), commonly known as a lap-band, is a type of bariatric surgery. It is widely considered to be the least invasive type of surgery for weight loss. In this procedure, the surgeon places an adjustable band around the upper part of your stomach, thereby creating a very small stomach pouch. As a result, you will feel full after eating much less food. That’s the basic method of how the gastric band can help you lose weight.
At The Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, our highly qualified team comprises gastrointestinal surgeons and specialists from various departments who will guide patients before, during, and after the adjustable gastric band surgery.

How does the adjustable gastric band work?
Adjustable gastric banding is performed as a laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. This means that it is minimally invasive, and only small incisions are made in your upper abdomen. The surgeon then inserts a laparoscope – a thin tool that has a tiny video camera and light attached to it. The camera transmits a clear picture of your insides to a video monitor, and the procedure can be performed without making a large incision.
The surgeon then places a small silicone ring around the top portion of your stomach, creating a very small stomach pouch; this ring has an expandable balloon in the center. A soft tube connects the balloon to a port that is inserted just beneath the skin of your abdomen. By adding or removing saline to and from the balloon (via the port), your surgeon can adjust the band’s tightness. Generally, a small amount of fluid is added at each visit by your doctor. However, if your surgeon determines that the band is too tight, fluid can be removed instead.
After the surgery:
- You will need to follow a liquid diet for the first week or two. You’ll then be able to progress to pureed foods, soft foods, and finally to regular food.
- Every meal must be small in order to fit in your small stomach.
- Because you are eating less, you may need to take a daily multivitamin and additional supplements, according to the instructions of your doctors.
- You will need regular follow-up blood tests throughout the year after surgery.
- To help you avoid regaining some of the weight that you lose, we will provide you with guidance about how to follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise. We also recommend joining a weight-loss surgery support group.

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