gastric banding

gastric banding A surgical procedure that converts the upper part of the stomach into a very small pouch, forcing the patient to eat only tiny portions yet still feel full. Gastric banding is a type of bariatric surgery that is normally done only in severe cases of obesity. The operation is sometimes called gastric stapling, and inflatable bands and/or staples may be used to create the stomach pouch. See also bariatric surgery.