Adjustable gastric banding with LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® Band is a surgical procedure in which an adjustable band is placed around the upper section of the stomach to limit its capacity and to slow the emptying process from the stomach to the intestines. Adjustable gastric banding is the second most frequently performed bariatric procedure and has the lowest rate of complications.

During this procedure, a silicone band and an injection port are implanted in a patient. The silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach and molds the stomach into two connected chambers. Underneath the skin, the injection port is attached to the abdominal wall. The port is connected to the band with soft, thin tubing.