Adjustable Gastric Banding is a Weight Loss Surgery Offered at Tampa General Hospital

Gastric banding is a type of weight loss surgery that works by limiting the amount of food a patient is able to consume. This operation is sometimes called “lap-band” surgery, as many of these procedures are completed with the assistance of the Lap-Band® surgical system.

This procedure is purely restrictive in nature. It does not alter the way that food is digested once it enters the body. Food that is consumed still passes through the stomach, so patients must consciously work to make healthy food choices after gastric banding. Patients must also commit to a regular exercise routine and post-operative care.

During a gastric banding surgery, a surgeon places an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach, where food passes into the organ from the esophagus. The band constricts the opening through which food passes; in turn, this reduces the amount of food that can be consumed in one sitting. Patients typically feel fuller faster, and lose weight gradually as a result.

At Tampa General Hospital, gastric banding is typically performed as a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedure. This means that:

• The procedure itself is performed through several small incisions, rather than one large cut. A small camera is temporarily inserted into the abdomen to guide the procedure. This laparoscopic approach often leads to shorter recovery times when compared to traditional, open approaches.  
• Complication rates – including the mortality rate – are lower than they are for more invasive surgeries. The nationwide mortality rate for laparoscopic gastric band procedures is 0.1 percent.

Gastric banding surgery is often adjustable. Every few weeks after the procedure, the band can be tightened or relaxed as necessary. Tampa General’s surgeons can determine how – and when – a patient’s band should be adjusted to best help them achieve their weight loss goals.  

Adjustable gastric banding is just one of the weight loss surgeries offered at Tampa General Hospital. Our team of board-certified surgeons work closely with our bariatricians, endocrinologists, dietitians, exercise physicians, and registered nurses to create individualized weight loss plans for every patient we treat. Since the TGH + USF Health Bariatric Center was established in 1998 we have helped more than 5,000 individuals achieve their weight loss goals.

For more information about adjustable gastric banding at Tampa General Hospital, email bariatriccenter@tgh.org  or call (813) 844-7473.