Adjustable gastric banding (also known as “Lap-Band” or “Realize band”) is considered by many to be the least invasive surgery for weight loss. The procedure involves placing an implant, a soft silicone ring with an expandable balloon in the center, around the top part of the stomach. It effectively creates a two-compartment stomach, with a much smaller top part of the band. A person eats enough food only to fill the top part of the stomach. Over time, after the meal, the food passes through the opening of the band into the remainder of the stomach, and digestion occurs normally.

LAGB is used to treat severe obesity. It’s advised for people who have tried other weight loss methods without long-term success. Your doctor may advise LAGB if you are severely obese with a body mass index (BMI) over 40. Your doctor may also advise it if you have a BMI between 35 and 40 and a health condition such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes.