Gastric band or lap band surgery is a type of bariatric or weight loss surgery designed to help excessively obese adults to reduce weight. This minimally invasive surgery introduces an adjustable silicone band just below the upper end of the stomach. The band divides the stomach into an upper smaller pouch and a larger lower portion, with a small opening in between the two. The pouch gets filled quickly after eating small amounts of food and gives a satiated feeling and helps in weight loss over a few weeks. Here is an animation to help you understand this laparoscopic procedure.