The LAP-BAND ® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is designed to help you lose excess body weight for resolution of obesity-related health conditions and enhancement of life. In partnership with leading bariatric surgeons around the world, an innovative surgical approach has been developed that eliminates many of the known associated operative risks and provides unique benefits compared to other established weight loss surgeries. This effort has resulted in the LAP-BAND ® System, an adjustable and reversible surgical procedure that does not require cutting and stapling of the stomach or gastrointestinal re-routing to bypass normal digestion.
Patient benefits include reduced surgical trauma, complications, pain, and scarring, as well as shorter hospitalization and recovery time compared to more invasive procedures such as the gastric bypass. The name "LAP-BAND ®" comes from the surgical technique used (laparoscopic) and the name of the implanted medical device (gastric band).
LAP-BAND ® SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The body gets energy from food while it passes through the alimentary canal, which consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines. Digestion starts in the mouth with chewing and the addition of saliva. After food passes through the esophagus, this process continues in the stomach. The stomach then provides temporary storage for food. Gastric juices, which contain enzymes,break down the food so that energy can be carried through the body by the blood.
A silicone elastomer ring designed to be placed around the upper part of the stomach, filled with saline on the inner surface. This creates a new small stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below the band so the food storage area in the stomach is reduced. The pouch above the band can hold only a small amount of food. The band also controls the stoma between the two parts of the stomach. The size of the stoma regulates the flow of the food from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. When the stoma is smaller, you feel full sooner and have a feeling of satiety so you are not hungry between meals.
The band is connected by tubing to an access port that is placed beneath the skin during surgery. Later, the surgeon can change the stoma size by adding or subtracting saline inside the inner balloon through the access port. This adjustment process helps drive the rate of weight loss. If the band is too loose and weight loss inadequate, adding more saline can reduce the size of the stoma to further restrict the amount of food that can move through it. If the band is too tight, the surgeon will remove some saline to loosen the band and reduce the amount of restriction.
LAP-BAND ® System Placement
The LAP-BAND ® System is usually placed laparoscopically under general anesthesia.This technique is considered minimally invasive. First the surgeon makes a few small incisions (or “ports”) in the abdominal wall for the insertion of long, thin surgical instruments. A narrow camera is also passed through a port so the surgeon can view the operative site on a nearby video monitor. A small tunnel is made behind the top of the stomach to let the band through and allow it to be wrapped around the upper part of the stomach, almost like a wristwatch.The band is then locked securely in a ring around the stomach. The LAP-BAND ® System is usually left empty or only partially filled for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
LAP-BAND ® System Weight-Loss Results
The LAP-BAND ® System is a tool to help you achieve sustained weight loss by limiting how much you can eat, reducing your appetite, and slowing digestion. Remember,though, that the LAP-BAND ® System by itself will not solve morbid obesity, nor will it ensure that you reach your goal weight or even that you lose weight at all. The amount of weight you lose depends both on the band and on your motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle and eating habits. Some people lose more than others, and though you may never reach your ideal weight, chances are good that with weight loss your health and self-image will improve.
LAP-BAND® System Removal
If there is a problem with the band, if you can’t lose enough weight or can’t adjust to the new eating habits, your surgeon may suggest removal of the band. This decision will come after your surgeon consults with you. Generally, after LAP-BAND ® System removal, your stomach will be restored to its original form and the digestive tract should function normally. Please keep in mind that when the band is removed, your weight will likely increase.
LAP-BAND ® System Advantages
Minimal Trauma
- Minimally invasive surgical option
- No intestinal re-routing
- No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel
- Small incisions and minimal scarring
- Reduced patient pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period
Fewer Risks and Side Effects
- 10 times less lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass 1
- Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
- Reduced risk of hair loss
- No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions
Adjustable
- Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight-loss rate
- Adjustments performed without additional surgery
- Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened to accommodate increased nutritional needs
Reversible
- Removable at any time
- Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original form sand functions
Effective Long-Term Weight Loss
- More than 300,000 LAP-BAND ® System procedures performed worldwide
- Standard of care for hundreds of surgeons around the world
- #1 selling adjustable gastric band for weight loss
- Academic publications with up to 12 years of follow-up
DECIDING ON THE LAP-BAND ® AND FINDING THE RIGHT SURGEON FOR YOU
The decision about which operation is best for you is a complicated one, research is key. Although the information presented here may be helpful, you will be able to learn substantially more about the benefits, risks and nutritional requirements of the LAP-BAND® during your consultation.
If you’re a pre-op that is considering the LAP-BAND®, it may be helpful to begin your search by clicking the blue button and researching the list of surgeons that are performing LAP-BAND®.
If you'd like assistance in locating a surgeon, our Member Services Department would be happy to assist you.
You can call us at 1-866-957-4636 or fill out our Contact Us form.
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