Patent ID: 8900117

Claim:
A releasably-securable adjustable gastric band for the treatment of obesity suitable for laparoscopic placement around the stomach of a patient, and suitable for laparoscopic removal from said stomach, comprising: an inflatable portion; a tail end connected to the inflatable portion; a head end, connected to the inflatable portion, having an aperture structured to allow a first part of said tail end to be drawn through said aperture to position a second part of said tail end within said head end such that said head end encircles said second part of said tail end; a releasable locking means including a tooth and a notch structured to engage said tooth to releasably secure said head end to said tail end when said first part of said tail end is drawn through said aperture, to thereby releasably secure said releasably-securable adjustable gastric band in an encircling position around said patient's stomach; a visual securing indicator of a contrasting color or texture; a window through which the visual securing indicator is visible to provide positive visual indication when said head end and said tail end are releasably secured together; and a release tab positioned on said head end and structured to allow said releasable locking means to release said tail end from said head end when a force is applied to said release tab.