Printable VersionThe LAP-BAND® Procedure
Introduction
The LAP-BAND adjustable gastric banding system is the newest and the only
adjustable surgical treatment for obesity in the United States. It was approved
by the FDA in June, 2001. Since its clinical introduction in 1993, more than
100,000 LAP-BAND procedures have been performed around the world.Surgical Procedure
The LAP-BAND is a device that is laparoscopically placed around the stomach. It consists of a small adjustable ring and an attached access port. The ring is placed around the top part of the stomach via tiny ½ inch incisions in the abdomen with the guidance of a fiberoptic camera and other specialized instruments. This creates a small stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you can eat…or want to eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.The access port is attached to the LAP-BAND and implanted under the skin of the abdomen. By adding or removing saline from the access port, the tightness of the ring can be adjusted to further enhance weight loss.
How it Works
Weight loss is induced by reducing the capacity of the stomach, thereby restricting the amount of food that can consumed. As food is consumed, it quickly fills the small pouch, which causes a feeling of fullness. You eat less and gradually lose the unhealthy excess weight. Over time, as weight loss slows, the LAP-BAND can be tightened, causing the feeling of fullness at an earlier point during a meal. This decreases the amount of food consumed and allows weight loss to continue.After Surgery
A liquid diet is consumed for the first two weeks after surgery, then solid food can be added slowly. The first LAP-BAND tightening is done 4 to 5 weeks after surgery and can be repeated whenever necessary.Least Traumatic Procedure
Since the stomach and intestine
are not divided in the operation, there is virtually no risk of gastrointestinal leakage. With no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in
the LAP-BAND System procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all
weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the
advantages of reduced post-operative pain and quicker recovery. At oBand Surgery
Centers, Inc., the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in about an
hour. In most cases, the patient is home in two to three hours and is back to
normal activity in two to three days. If for any reason the LAP-BAND System
needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form. Adjustable Treatment
The LAP-BAND System is adjustable. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can remove fluid from their band to allow for adequate nutrition, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.Advantages of the LAP BAND System
- Least invasive
- No re-arrangement of anatomy
- 60% average long-term excess weight loss
- Lowest mortality and complication rates
- Adjustable
- Reversible
- No dumping syndrome
- Appetite control
- Low malnutrition risk
- Regular follow-ups help keep weight control on track
- By far the safest bariatric procedure
Potential Complications
The incidence of complications for LAP-BAND procedures world wide is extremely
low. The rate of complications for specific doctors at specific facilities can
vary substantially. Our doctors are among the few nationally recognized LAP-BAND
specialists who have the best success rates and the lowest complication rates.
During your consultation the surgeon will discuss his/her personal success and
complication rates and compare them to the world wide statistics.
