Adjustable Gastric Banding

Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) is an inflatable band positioned in the upper part of the stomach creating a small pouch above. The band is inflated through a port placed under the skin and connected to the band by a tube. The progressive inflation (with sterile saline injected in the port) causes distention of the band and consequently the stomach above the band, inducing satiety and fullness, which in turn helps to decrease the caloric intake. Liquid calories can easily be ingested and limit the success of the technique. Absorption is not altered by this procedure. Despite the insertion of the band doesn´t involve cutting or stapling, reoperations and conversion to other bariatric techniques were reported in 20% of cases for complications, side effects and insufficient weight loss or weight regain. Other techniques showed superiority in weight loss and comorbidities resolution, as well as a safer profile.