What is Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB)?
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. The balloon band system can be regarded as putting a straight-jacket on the stomach. The band induces an early feeling of satiety and thereby decreases food intake. Our method as well as other methods for obesity surgery does not however change the basic patient behavior pattern. If the band is removed the weight will quickly increase to what it was before surgery. This means that the operation is not a definite solution to the patient eating pattern or the problem of morbid obesity. It however induces susta
