Gastric Banding

Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB)

The Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB) was developed in Sweden in 1985 and has been available globally since 1996. The procedure is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a low pressure soft band is placed around the upper most part of the stomach 'like putting a belt around the stomach'. The SAGB forms the stomach into two sections, with a small opening between the sections allowing food to pass through. Food collects quickly in the small upper section causing most patients to feel full faster and eat less.

Advantages of the SAGB

• restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at a meal
• food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the usual order allowing it to be fully absorbed into the body
• can be placed using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery
• can be adjusted to increase or decrease restriction
• surgery can be reversed

Risks associated with Gastric Banding Surgery

You should understand that surgery is not a quick fix. It is always associated with at least some degree of risk. There is no guarantee of a successful outcome for each and every individual. It is therefore important that you read and understand the complication risks listed on the complications & risks page on this site.