One aspect of the present invention includes a preformed gastric band comprising a flexible substrate and a plurality of band members. The flexible substrate comprises oppositely disposed first and second major surfaces defined by first and second minor side portions and first and second major side portions. The first major surface includes a lower collar section and an upper band section. The plurality of flexible band members is securely connected to the upper band section and extends between the first and second minor side portions of the substrate. Each of the band members includes first and second ends that comprise an attachment mechanism for connecting the first and second ends. Each of the band members is separated from one another by a spacing region.
