ABSTRACT
The restrictive operation known as gastric banding has evolved from the open placement of a fixed piece of a woven mesh to its current state of laparoscopic positioning of an adjustable silicone ring just below the gastroesophageal junction. Adjustable gastric banding is a purely restrictive operation that relies on decreasing the consumption of food as the mechanism for weight loss. There is no malabsorptive component to this operation and therefore minimal risk of malnutrition. Adjustable gastric banding involves the surgical implantation of a silicone device circumferentially around the uppermost part of the stomach. The band creates a small proximal ‘‘pouch’’ that empties slowly, resulting in decreased appetite and early satiety.
