How does gastric band surgery work?

Gastric band surgery involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. This limits food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness after smaller meals, supporting gradual and controlled weight loss.

How much weight can I lose with a gastric band?

Patients typically lose 40–50% of their excess weight within the first 1–2 years. Results vary based on commitment to diet, exercise, and regular follow-up adjustments with Dr. Niruben and his team.

Is gastric band surgery reversible?

Yes. One of the advantages of gastric banding is that it is reversible. The band can be removed if necessary, and the stomach usually returns to its original form. However, weight regain may occur after removal.

What is the recovery time for gastric band surgery?

Recovery is generally quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks. As a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, it involves smaller incisions and less downtime.

Will I need follow-up appointments after surgery?

Yes. Regular follow-up visits are essential to adjust the band and monitor progress. Dr. Niruben’s care plan includes ongoing reviews, nutritional guidance, and support to help you achieve long-term success.

Is the gastric band covered by insurance?

If deemed medically necessary, gastric band surgery may be covered by private health insurance in Australia. Dr. Niruben’s clinic offers guidance on insurance claims and transparent package pricing for self-funded patients.

Can the gastric band slip or cause complications?

While rare, complications such as band slippage, erosion, or infection can occur. These risks are reduced when the procedure is performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon like Dr. Niruben and with regular monitoring.

What dietary changes should I make after gastric band surgery?

You’ll begin with a liquid diet, gradually moving to soft foods and eventually solid meals. Long-term, you’ll need to eat smaller portions, chew thoroughly, and avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods.

Gastric Band Surgery

Gastric Band Surgery in Melbourne

Gastric band surgery has in the past been one of the most widely preferred and effective options for weight loss. It is a minimally invasive procedure designed to support long-term weight management by reducing hunger and limiting food intake. This procedure offers flexibility and can be customised to suit your individual progress, making it a trusted choice for many patients seeking a sustainable approach to weight loss.

At our weight loss centre in Melbourne, we offer gastric banding surgery as a safe option for patients that feel a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass is something they prefer not to put themselves through. Dr. Niruben Rajasagaram and the skilled team guides you through every step, using advanced laparoscopic techniques to minimise recovery time and ensure a comfortable experience.

We understand that every patient is different, which is why we provide personalised consultations to help determine if gastric banding in Melbourne is the most suitable option for your needs.

Get Started with a Consultation

What is Gastric Band Surgery?

Gastric band surgery, also known as lap band surgery, is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure that involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach. This band creates a small pouch, limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold, which helps individuals feel full faster and reduces their overall food intake. The procedure is generally performed laparoscopically, using small incisions and specialised tools, resulting in faster recovery times and less discomfort compared to traditional surgeries.

The gastric band can be adjusted over time to meet the individual’s needs, ensuring long-term success. This adjustable option makes it a favoured choice for individuals looking for a flexible, non-permanent option to support significant weight loss. By promoting portion control and encouraging healthier eating habits, gastric band surgery offers an effective solution for those struggling with obesity and related health conditions.

Benefits of Gastric Banding in Melbourne

Effective Weight Loss

Gastric band surgery reduces the stomach’s capacity by creating a smaller pouch, helping to control portion sizes and support steady, long-term weight loss. On average, patients lose 40–50% of their excess weight within the first year.

Minimally Invasive with Quick Recovery

The laparoscopic procedure uses small incisions, reducing recovery time and scarring.
Most patients can return to their normal activities within 1-2 weeks.

Adjustable and Reversible

The laparoscopic adjustable band can be easily altered to match your weight loss progress.
If necessary, it can be removed, offering flexibility for future decisions.

Improved Health Outcomes

Weight loss through gastric band surgery Melbourne can help improve or resolve obesity-related health issues.
When performed by an experienced and skilled lap band doctor near you, the procedure can also significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, joint pain, and other obesity-related health conditions.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Stomach Band Surgery?

The ideal candidate for gastric banding in Melbourne is an individual who:

Struggles with obesity and has a body mass index (BMI) over 30.
Has not been able to lose weight through diet, exercise, or other methods.
Is committed to long-term lifestyle changes, including healthier eating and regular physical activity.
Understands the need for regular follow-up appointments and support post-surgery.

If you are considering getting a gastric band and want to learn if you are a suitable candidate, contact us today for a consultation.

The Process of Gastric Band Surgery

Consultation and Assessment

Discuss your weight loss goals with our team.
Complete a health assessment to check your suitability.
Review your medical history to ensure the procedure is right for you.
Understand the procedure, benefits, and risks.
Schedule your surgery.

Preparing for Surgery

Follow the pre-surgery diet plan to shrink your liver.
Set your surgery date and arrange transportation.
Complete medical tests, such as blood work.
Review post-surgery instructions and lifestyle changes.
Organise emotional support for your recovery.

The Surgery

Undergo lap band surgery under general anaesthesia.
Our team makes small incisions for the laparoscopic procedure.
We place the adjustable band around your stomach.
The band creates a small pouch to limit food intake.
The procedure takes about 1-2 hours.

Recovery and Follow-up

Stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for monitoring.
Return to light activities within 1-2 weeks.
Start with clear liquids and gradually add solid foods.
Attend follow-up appointments for band adjustments.
Begin making long-term lifestyle changes.

Band Adjustment

Adjusting the band to ensure steady weight loss progress.
Tightening or loosening the band as needed through saline adjustments.
Attend follow-up visits to monitor your progress.
Ensure comfort and avoid complications through proper adjustments.
Make adjustments to align with your weight loss goals.

Maintenance and Lifestyle Changes

Stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.
Continue regular follow-ups to track progress.
Stay hydrated and avoid overeating.
Focus on long-term goals and celebrate your milestones.
Receive continuous support from our team for lasting weight loss.

Risks & Considerations

While gastric banding in Melbourne is generally a safe procedure, it is important to understand that, like any surgery, it carries certain risks and considerations, including:

Infection at the incision site.
Band slippage or erosion.
Nausea or vomiting, especially after eating too quickly.
Long-term maintenance of the band, including adjustments.
Potential for needing gastric band removal in some cases.

It’s important to discuss these risks thoroughly with Dr. Niruben Rajasagaram during your consultation to ensure you make an informed decision. If gastric band is not the ideal choice for you we can also recommend different options for stomach surgeries for weight loss like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve or gastric baloon surgery in Melbourne.

Start Your Weight Loss Journey with Us

Taking the first step toward lasting weight loss is easier with the right support. Dr. Niruben Rajasagaram and our team will guide you throughout the process, providing personalised care by considering your goals. Our dietitian and habits transformation coach will work with you to create sustainable changes, helping you make healthier choices and stay on track. Together, we’ll turn your weight loss goals into lasting results.

Start your weight loss journey today.

Surgery Options

Please see below a list of some of the more common surgeries for Bariatric (Weight Loss), Upper Gastrointestinal (Hiatal Hernia & Anti Reflux) and General Surgery (Gall Bladder & Hernias) that Mr.Niruben currently performs.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Most common weight loss surgery done
Reduction of hunger hormone ”Ghrelin”

Gastric Bypass Surgery

A small stomach pouch is created
The small bowel is divided so that the first part of the bowel is by-passed, and the remainder of the small bowel is attached to the newly formed pouch

Laparoscopic Mini Gastric Bypass

The first step is to create a small stomach pouch
This is connected (anastomosed) to the intestine, bypassing between 1.5m to 2mof the part of the proximal intestine

Gastric Balloon

The Gastric Balloon is a soft, saline filled silicone balloon that is temporarily inserted into the stomach without surgery, giving you a feeling of fullness. It will make you feel less hungry and feel fuller more quickly after small meals

Revisional Bariatric surgery

Gastric Sleeve to Roux En-y Gastric Bypass / Mini-gastric Bypass
Gastric Band to Roux En-y Gastric Bypass / Mini-gastric Bypass

Gastric Band Surgery

A form of weight loss surgery where a surgeon places a specialised band around the stomach
The band temporarily divides your stomach into two pouches, reducing its volume and helping you feel

Hiatal Hernia & Anti Reflux Surgery

The surgery fixes this and creates an anti-reflux effect (can have part of this done together with weight loss surgery)
No permanent Weight loss component

Gall bladder Surgery

Key hole / Laparoscopic
Average length of stay 1-2 nights
Performed for Privately insured & Self funding patients

Hernia Surgery

This is often done as key hole surgery with an overnight stay
Performed for privately insured and self funding patients

View all surgery options

Why Choose Dr. Niruben Rajasagaram in Melbourne

Dr. Niruben Rajasagaram has many years of experience in gastric band surgery in Melbourne. Our centre is known for focusing on long-term success, offering ongoing care and personalised support throughout your journey.

What makes us the preferred choice for weight loss surgeries in Melbourne:

Individualised weight loss plans customised to your goals
Clear, compassionate communication from start to finish
Access to nutritional and emotional well-being services
Ongoing monitoring for band performance and health outcomes
A focus on comfort, dignity, and lasting success

Whether you're considering the band for weight loss for the first time or need support with laparoscopic band removal, we offer reliable and compassionate care for your needs.

Success Stories from Our Patients

Our patients have experienced life-changing results with our weight loss surgery options. Read their reviews to learn how our skilled team’s support have helped them achieve their weight loss goals. Don’t just take our word for it—hear from those who’ve been on this journey with us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lap Band Surgery

How does gastric band surgery work?

Gastric band surgery involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. This limits food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness after smaller meals, supporting gradual and controlled weight loss.
How much weight can I lose with a gastric band?

Patients typically lose 40–50% of their excess weight within the first 1–2 years. Results vary based on commitment to diet, exercise, and regular follow-up adjustments with Dr. Niruben and his team.
Is gastric band surgery reversible?

Yes. One of the advantages of gastric banding is that it is reversible. The band can be removed if necessary, and the stomach usually returns to its original form. However, weight regain may occur after removal.
What is the recovery time for gastric band surgery?

Recovery is generally quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks. As a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, it involves smaller incisions and less downtime.
Will I need follow-up appointments after surgery?

Yes. Regular follow-up visits are essential to adjust the band and monitor progress. Dr. Niruben’s care plan includes ongoing reviews, nutritional guidance, and support to help you achieve long-term success.
Is the gastric band covered by insurance?

If deemed medically necessary, gastric band surgery may be covered by private health insurance in Australia. Dr. Niruben’s clinic offers guidance on insurance claims and transparent package pricing for self-funded patients.
Can the gastric band slip or cause complications?

While rare, complications such as band slippage, erosion, or infection can occur. These risks are reduced when the procedure is performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon like Dr. Niruben and with regular monitoring.
What dietary changes should I make after gastric band surgery?

You’ll begin with a liquid diet, gradually moving to soft foods and eventually solid meals. Long-term, you’ll need to eat smaller portions, chew thoroughly, and avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods.