Two-way adjustable implant

An adjustable implant configured to be implanted around an outer surface of a stomach or esophagus, comprising:

• encircling means for at least partially surrounding the stomach or esophagus, the encircling means comprising a shape-memory material;
• and
• ratchet means for permitting movement in a first direction of a first end of the encircling means relative to a second end of the encircling means;
• wherein activation of the shape-memory material adjusts the encircling means from a first length to a second length as the ratchet means permits the movement of the first end relative to the second end, changing a circumference of the encircling means.

A method, for treating obesity, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing an adjustable implant within or around a patient's stomach or esophagus, the adjustable implant comprising:
• a ratchet;
• and
• an elongate band comprising a shape-memory material, wherein a first end and a second end of the elongate band are configured to couple to the ratchet, such that the band and the ratchet form an assembly having a loop configuration;
• wherein activation of the shape-memory material adjusts the band from a first length to a second length as the ratchet permits movement in a first direction of the first end relative to the second end, changing a circumference of the loop configuration;
• applying an activation energy to the shape-memory material;
• and
• transforming the shape-memory material from a first configuration to a second configuration, thereby changing the circumference of the loop configuration.