Gastric banding reduces the stomach volume to about 30 ml. Post-operative food intake must be decreased and all food must be chewed thoroughly. If not, risks of nausea and vomiting are increased. Benefits of the surgery include weight loss and amelioration of such diseases as type II diabetes and sleep apnea.
During gastric banding a silicone band is placed around the
upper stomach, creating a small reservoir and a restricted passage to
the lower stomach. The average length of surgery is about 2 hours.