Definition for Gastric banding surgery
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Gastric banding surgery involves the following:
- Using laparoscopic tools, the surgeon places an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach.
- Squeezed by the silicone band, the stomach becomes a pouch with about an inch-wide outlet. After banding, the stomach can only hold about an ounce of food.
- A plastic tube runs from the silicone band to a device just under the skin. Saline (sterile salt water) can be injected or removed through the skin, flowing into or out of the silicone band. Injecting saline fills the band and makes it tighter. In this way, the band can be tightened or loosened as needed. This can reduce side effects and improve weight loss.
