A single handed articulating blunt dissector/gastric band application device (10) includes a support shaft (22) connecting a handle (16) at a first end (12) of the device to an articulating assembly (20) at a second end (14) of the device. The handle includes an actuation mechanism (18) linked to the articulating assembly for controlling movement thereof. The second end includes a proximal end (24) and a distal end (26), wherein the distal end includes a blunt distal tip (28) shaped and dimensioned for dissecting tissue without unduly causing trauma to the tissue. The second end also includes a suture grasping notch (30) shaped and dimensioned for engaging and pulling a gastric band (100).
