How is AGB Performed?
In the adjustable gastric banding method a band is applied around the stomach about 20 mm below the gastro-esophageal junction. On the inner lining of the band there is a longitudinal balloon (like a bicycle tire). This balloon is through a small tube attached to a subcutaneous port. The band is left empty at time of surgery but is thereafter gradually filled with fluid by injection through the subcutaneous port. It is thus possible to vary the opening in the stomach after surgery. In most cases the band is applied through open surgery, but we have recently also started to develop laparoscopic application of this band. The total experience in Sweden is now about 1000 cases. About 100 of these have been put in place using laparoscopy. The first patient was operated in 1985 and the method has since then developed gradually. Today we can expect that approximately 75% of the patients will loose 75% or more of their overweight within 18 months after surgery. Recent results indicate that wei
