Laparoscopic banding is suitable for people who are severely overweight and who have not been able to lose weight with diet, exercise, or medicine. Patients typically lose 1-2 pounds per week as a result of the surgery, eventually shedding up to 50 percent of their excess body weight.

Attached to the ring is a thin tube leading to an access port that is left under the skin. The access port is the place where the doctor puts in a needle to add or take away saline. Adding saline tightens the band and makes the stomach smaller. The doctor can take away saline if the ring is too tight.

During surgery, the band is not inflated, as the patient needs to recover from surgery before the band is adjusted for weight loss. This is usually 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Once complete, the stomach holds less food. This gives the patient the feeling of fullness much sooner and for a longer period of time.