Lap band surgery, also known as gastric banding, is a procedure in which a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that holds food. The band can be adjusted to change the size of the pouch and the rate at which food passes through, leading to weight loss. During the procedure, the surgeon will place a silicone or saline-filled band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that holds about an ounce of food. The band is connected to a port that is located just under the skin and can be adjusted by injecting or removing saline to change the size of the pouch. Lap band surgery is typically performed laparoscopically and takes about one hour.