A single handed articulating blunt dissector/gastric band application device includes a support shaft connecting a handle at a first end of the device to an articulating assembly at a second end of the device. The handle includes an actuation mechanism linked to the articulating assembly for controlling movement thereof. The second end includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a blunt distal tip shaped and dimensioned for dissecting tissue without unduly causing trauma to the tissue. The second end also includes a suture grasping notch shaped and dimensioned for engaging and pulling a gastric band.