Gastric banding was a common weight loss procedure approximately 10 years ago. At the time, it was seen as the best available weight loss operation. However, the longer term weight loss results were variable and, for many patients, living with a band is difficult.
Surgery to remove a gastric band may be performed due to problems related to the band or as the first part of further weight loss surgery.
Patients having this procedure will typically spend one night in hospital and usually resume a normal diet the first day after surgery.