n implantable band for treatment of a medical condition, the band, comprising: a strap configured to encircle an anatomical passageway, said strap defining a circumferential direction thereabout, said strap having an inner and outer surface; first and second end portions disposed at either end of said strap, said first and second end portions configured to be attached to each other so as to secure said strap adjacent the anatomical passageway, said first and second end portions including respective inner and outer surfaces which correspond to said inner and outer surfaces of said strap; first means integral to said strap for attaching said first end portion to said second end portion; second means integral to said strap for maintaining said first end portion attached to said second end portion in the event of failure of said first means; wherein said first means includes means for establishing a final circumferential size of said band when said first end portion is attached to said second end portion by said first means and wherein said first means comprise a lateral opening disposed in said first end portion, and a portion of said second end portion having a dimension greater than a corresponding dimension of said lateral opening, whereby when said second end portion is disposed through said lateral opening, said portion of said second end portion resists withdrawal of said second end portion from said lateral opening; characterised in that said second means comprises a retaining part extending from said second end and a lateral opening disposed in said second end portion configured to receive and retain said retaining part, wherein said retaining part comprises two enlarged, spaced apart portions (52a, 52b) and an elongated member extending between said enlarged, spaced apart portions (52a, 52b). a strap configured to encircle an anatomical passageway, said strap defining a circumferential direction thereabout, said strap having an inner and outer surface; first and second end portions disposed at either end of said strap, said first and second end portions configured to be attached to each other so as to secure said strap adjacent the anatomical passageway, said first and second end portions including respective inner and outer surfaces which correspond to said inner and outer surfaces of said strap; first means integral to said strap for attaching said first end portion to said second end portion; second means integral to said strap for maintaining said first end portion attached to said second end portion in the event of failure of said first means; wherein said first means includes means for establishing a final circumferential size of said band when said first end portion is attached to said second end portion by said first means and wherein said first means comprise a lateral opening disposed in said first end portion, and a portion of said second end portion having a dimension greater than a corresponding dimension of said lateral opening, whereby when said second end portion is disposed through said lateral opening, said portion of said second end portion resists withdrawal of said second end portion from said lateral opening; characterised in that said second means comprises a retaining part extending from said second end and a lateral opening disposed in said second end portion configured to receive and retain said retaining part, wherein said retaining part comprises two enlarged, spaced apart portions (52a, 52b) and an elongated member extending between said enlarged, spaced apart portions (52a, 52b).