Adjustable gastric band

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What is a gastric band?

An adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper stomach and adjusted through a port under the skin. Unlike sleeve surgery, no part of the stomach is removed.
Weight loss is usually slower and less than with sleeve or bypass. Long-term adjustments, follow-up and the possibility of further surgery must inform the choice. Removability does not mean risk-free treatment or complete restoration of the original condition.

Preparing for treatment

The choice depends on weight, associated conditions, reflux, previous surgery, nutrition and ability to attend follow-up. This page is not a personal prescription.
Disclose all medicines, supplements, allergies, smoking, previous clots, sleep apnoea and possible pregnancy. Do not stop diabetes medicines, blood thinners or weight-loss injections yourself; obtain medication and fasting instructions from the anaesthesia team.
Tests and, when needed, endoscopy are arranged by your doctor. Anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, ulcers or active infection and uncontrolled conditions must be assessed and treated before the procedure when necessary.
Arrange an adult escort and safe travel after sedation or anaesthesia. Do not drive until your care team permits it.

Band care and adjustments

Only an experienced team should adjust the band. A tighter band does not necessarily give better results. Obtain adjustment dates and the diet required afterwards.
Difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, new reflux or repeated vomiting may indicate excessive restriction, band slippage or an oesophageal problem. Contact the team promptly; do not force food down or wash it down with large drinks.
Risks include slippage, erosion into the stomach, and port infection or malfunction. Redness, pain or discharge at the port needs assessment.

Explore the educational diagram and sources

Nutrition, activity and follow-up

Ask your team when to start fluids and progress to soft and regular food. Eat slowly, take small bites and stop when you feel pressure or fullness. Do not assume repeated vomiting is normal.
Sip fluids and follow your individual protein plan. High-calorie drinks and grazing can reduce treatment effectiveness. Do not add supplements or weight-loss medicines yourself.
Start gentle walking when permitted. After surgery, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting require your surgeon’s approval. Sleep, family support and nutritional follow-up are important parts of treatment.
Before discharge, confirm appointments, an emergency number and follow-up after returning home. Weight regain is not a personal failing; nutrition, medicines and digestive anatomy may need reassessment.

Warning signs — do not wait for your next appointment

Severe or worsening abdominal or chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, gastrointestinal bleeding, fever with feeling unwell, repeated vomiting or inability to drink require urgent assessment.
For severe symptoms call local emergency services; in Türkiye, 112. Bring the procedure name, date and medication list. Online messaging is not a substitute for emergency assessment.

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