A releasably-securable gastric band (12) having a tail end (10a) and a
head end (10b) for receiving the tail end (10a) is disclosed. The gastric
band (12) also includes a releasable locking means (20) that releasably
secures the head (10b) and tail ends (10a) together. The tail end (10a)
may include a tooth (14) and the head end (10b) may include a notch (22)
for engaging the tooth (14). Upon insertion of the tail end (10a) into
the head end (10b), the tooth (14) mates with the notch (22) and
releasably locks the tail end (10a) in the head end (10b). The
releasably-securable gastric band (12) includes a release tab (24). When
force is applied to the release tab (24) in a direction perpendicular to
a central axis of the gastric band (12), the tooth (14) is disengaged
from the notch (22) to allow the gastric band (12) to be released.