Recent advances in surgical treatment for obesity include laparoscopic gastric banding surgery, which provides a partnership for sustained weight loss. Obesity is defined as a BMI over 30 and affects 20% of adults, increasing risks for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers. While diet and behavior changes often fail to provide long-term weight loss, surgery has been shown to result in 60% excess weight loss after 2 years through a gradual process, resolving comorbidities. The LAP-BAND system works by allowing small meals to satisfy hunger for long periods, providing an adjustable tool for significant weight loss.