Methods and devices are provided for remotely adjusting a size of a gastric band disposed around a patients stomach. In one exemplary embodiment, a gastric band (300) is provided having a first end (304) and a second end (302) that mate to one another to encircle a stomach. A latch mechanism (306) can be formed on the band, and at least one actuator (308,310) can be coupled to the latch mechanism and it can be adapted to expand and contract the latch mechanism when energy is applied thereto to adjust a diameter of the band. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator(s) is an electroactive polymer actuator (100,200).
