LAGB or lap banding is a surgery that uses an adjustable band around the opening to the stomach. This reduces the amount of food that you can eat at one time.

Lap banding is done through small incisions, with a laparoscope. The band can be adjusted after surgery, allowing you to eat more or less food. This is done by using a needle to add or remove fluid from a port (a small container under the skin that is connected to the band). Adding fluid makes your stomach smaller, which may help you to lose more weight.

Lap banding is a popular choice because it is relatively simple to perform, can be adjusted or removed, and has a low risk of serious complications immediately after surgery.

However, weight loss with the lap band depends on your ability to follow the program closely. You will need to prepare nutritious meals that “work with” the band, not against it. For example, the lap band will not work well if you eat or drink a large amount of liquid calories (like ice cream).

Weight loss ranges from 45 to 75 percent after two years. As an example, a person who is 120 pounds overweight could expect to lose approximately 54 to 90 pounds in the two years after lap banding.