- Health A to Z
Bariatric surgery changes the size of your stomach to help you lose weight. The goal is to limit how much food can be eaten and/or absorbed at one time. You are having laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. This procedure closes off a portion of the stomach to create a very small pouch.
The Procedure
An adjustable band is placed around the top part of the stomach to create a small pouch. This pouch holds a few tablespoons of food. Food passes slowly through a narrow opening at the bottom of the pouch. So you feel full longer. The size of the band is adjusted using a port placed under the skin. Adjusting the band changes how quickly food leaves the new pouch.
Special Note: The Gallbladder
Bariatric surgery is designed to cause a large amount of weight loss. Weight loss can cause deposits in the gallbladder called gallstones. To prevent this, the gallbladder may be removed during your surgery or at a later date.