Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding – Mechanism of Action

The adjustable gastric band (AGB) offered the first truly reversible and adjustable surgical option for morbid obesity. Its simplicity also offered the ability of the being one of the first laparoscopic bariatric operation in the world. It promised to be free from some of the serious health consequences associated with gastric and intestinal bypass procedures. This led to an exponential increase in the number of AGB procedures around the world. However, with the passage of time there was a steady realization that the AGB was unique in the aftercare and hence presented with its own set of problems. While the frequency of AGBs being performed around the world are on a decline, this chapter revisits the mechanism of action underlying its effects on inducing loss of weight. An understanding of these mechanisms helps Bariatric surgeons manage new and existing gastric band patients and also as options when developing hybrid procedures when faced with weight recidivism.