How Do Gastric Bands Work?

The gastric band works by creating a small pouch of stomach and oesophagus which is easily filled with a modest amount of solid food. The distension of the pouch should give a sensation of fullness or at least curb the desire to eat more. Patients often report feeling less hungry between meals with the band. This may be due to nerve feedback to the brain from the pressure that the gastric band puts onto the stomach wall and the nerves around the stomach.

All gastric bands have an access port which is placed under the skin for easy access by a medical practitioner. A specialised needle is used to avoid damage to the diaphragm of the port. These ports can often be felt by the patient, depending on their individual fat layer and port position. A wide range of various port positions are employed by surgeons. In order to reduce the prominence of the port, it is possible to place a port under the muscle layer where it is slightly more difficult for the practitioner to access but better tolerated by the patient.