There are several kinds on weight loss surgery. Here on this web page you will learn about one of them--Restrictive Surgery

Restrictive Surgery uses bands or staples to create food intake restriction. The bands or staples are surgically placed near the top of the stomach to section off a small portion that is often called a stomach pouch. A small outlet, about the size of a pencil eraser, is left at the bottom of the stomach pouch. Since the outlet is small, food stays in the pouch longer and you also feel full for a longer time.

Operative Procedures

* Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) - is a "pure" restrictive surgery since it only involves surgically creating a stomach pouch. VBG uses bands and staples and is the most frequently performed procedure for obesity surgery.

* Gastric Banding involves the use of a band to create the stomach pouch.

* Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (Lap-Band), approved by the FDA in June 2001, is a less invasive procedure in which smaller incisions are made to apply the band. The band is inflatable and can be adjusted over time.

About 80% of patients lose some weight and 30% reach normal weight category with VBG.

Compare different web sites to learn as much as you can about weight loss surgery before proceeding. Prices and services vary greatly, so be prepared to be informed.