doctor discussing aftercare support after bariatric surgery

What Is Gastric Band Surgery? All you need to know

Gastric band surgery is a well-established weight loss procedure designed to help individuals struggling with obesity regain control of their health. As one of the least invasive bariatric surgeries available, it provides an adjustable, reversible, and effective solution for long-term weight management.

At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we offer expert care and a comprehensive aftercare package to support you at every stage of your journey. Here’s everything you need to know about gastric band surgery.

Gastric band surgery, also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), involves placing a soft silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This restricts food intake and slows digestion, making you feel full on smaller portions of food.

Unlike other bariatric procedures, the gastric band does not involve cutting, stapling, or rerouting the digestive system, making it one of the safest and most minimally invasive options available.

The adjustable nature of the band allows for customisation to each patient’s needs, ensuring effective and sustainable weight loss. Adjustments are made through a small port placed under the skin, where saline solution can be added or removed to control the tightness of the band.

The procedure is typically carried out laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthetic and usually takes 30–60 minutes. Here’s what happens:

Insertion of the Band – A silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch.
Port Placement – A small access port is positioned under the skin of the abdomen, which allows adjustments to the band.
Adjusting the Band – The band is filled with saline solution through the access port, tightening or loosening it to control food intake.
Recovery – Most patients return home the same day or after an overnight stay.

Unlike other bariatric procedures, the gastric band does not involve cutting, stapling, or rerouting the digestive system, making it one of the safest and most minimally invasive options available.

The procedure is typically carried out laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthetic and usually takes 30–60 minutes. Here’s what happens:

Insertion of the Band – A silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch.
Port Placement – A small access port is positioned under the skin of the abdomen, which allows adjustments to the band.
Adjusting the Band – The band is filled with saline solution through the access port, tightening or loosening it to control food intake.
Recovery – Most patients return home the same day or after an overnight stay.

doctor checking vitals of a patient considering weight loss surgery

Who Is Eligible for Gastric Band Surgery?

You may be a suitable candidate if you:

Have a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35+ with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
Have struggled to lose weight through traditional methods such as diet and exercise.
Do not have severe acid reflux, Barrett’s oesophagus, or oesophageal dysmotility.
Are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes to support your weight loss journey.

Check your BMI using our BMI Calculator.

What Are the Benefits of Gastric Band Surgery?

Lose up to 20% of total body weight
Least invasive bariatric surgery
No intestinal rerouting, cutting, or stapling
Adjustable and tailored to individual needs
Reversible if required
Minimal scarring and quick recovery
Lower risk of complications compared to gastric bypass

One of the key advantages of gastric band surgery is that it provides gradual and controlled weight loss, which can be adjusted as needed to suit the patient’s progress. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a more measured approach to their weight loss journey.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

Hospital Stay: Most patients go home the same day or after one night.
Return to Work: Typically within 1–2 weeks.
Full Recovery: Around 4–6 weeks.
To ensure the best recovery, you will follow a phased diet:
Liquid Diet: First 2 weeks post-surgery.
Pureed Foods: For the following 2 weeks.
Soft Foods: Introduced gradually before returning to regular meals.

As with any weight loss surgery, success is dependent on adopting a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition and regular exercise. Our dedicated gastric band aftercare team will provide guidance and support to help patients make the necessary adjustments to achieve and maintain their weight loss goals.

Comprehensive Aftercare at Tonic Weight Loss Surgery

At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we understand that surgery is just the first step in your weight loss journey. To ensure long-term success, we provide an extensive aftercare program that’s second to none.

What Are the Risks and Considerations?

As with any surgical procedure, gastric band surgery carries some risks, including:

Nausea and vomiting, particularly in the early stages of adjustment.
Slippage or erosion of the band, which may require further intervention.
Band intolerance, where some patients may need the band removed due to discomfort or difficulty in eating.
The need for periodic band adjustments to ensure optimal results.

Your Tonic surgeon will discuss all risks with you in detail during your consultation.

Why Choose Tonic Weight Loss Surgery?

At Tonic, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care and providing the most comprehensive aftercare programme available. When you choose us, you receive:

Expert Bariatric Surgeons – Highly experienced in gastric band procedures.
Unlimited Aftercare for 2 Years – Including dietitian support, psychotherapist sessions, and virtual fitness coaching.
Five Years of Surgeon Follow-Up – Ongoing medical guidance.
Tonic Toolkit – Including bariatric plates, protein supplements, and more to aid your recovery.
Private Hospital Stay & Comprehensive Support – With dedicated nurses and out-of-hours assistance.

Take the first step towards a healthier weight with Tonic

If you’re ready to transform your life with gastric band surgery, we’re here to guide you through every step of the journey.

Book a Free Consultation Today Take control of your weight loss journey. Contact Tonic Weight Loss Surgery to learn more about gastric band surgery and whether it’s the right choice for you.rgery options and how we can help you achieve your goals.

Why Choose Tonic Weight Loss Surgery?

If you’re considering bariatric surgery and want a partner who will be with you through every stage of your journey, Tonic Weight Loss Surgery is the right choice. From life-changing procedures to unparalleled aftercare, we’re committed to helping you reclaim your health and happiness.
Contact us today to book a free consultation and take the first step toward transforming your life.