Gastric banding

Gastric banding involves placing an adjustable band at the upper part of the stomach. When working well, this may lessen feelings of hunger, and allows people to feel full after eating only a small amount of food.

Although it is a common procedure overseas, gastric banding does not give the sustainable results of the gastric bypass or the sleeve gastrectomy. Its effect on medical problems associated with obesity is less pronounced than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, and there is concern internationally about a high late complication rate. For these reasons, Auckland Weight Loss Surgery no longer supports or recommends this operation.

Pros of gastric banding

• Simple, safe, short recovery period
• Major complication rate is low
• Minimal change to stomach and intestines

Cons of gastric banding

• Complications can occur a long time after surgery
• Weight loss is slow, can be unpredictable, and is not as great as with other operations
• Requires the most work from the patients
• Some solid foods are not well tolerated after surgery

Weight loss procedures are explained in detail in our patient information booklet, available for downloading (pdf, 0.4MB)