LAP-BAND®
Candidates - The Procedure - Recovery - Weight Loss - Benefits - Risks
LAP-BAND® is an adjustable gastric banding system used to facilitate gradual weight loss in morbidly obese patients. This laparoscopic obesity surgery involves the placement of a hollow doughnut-shaped tube around the upper part of the stomach, which is then filled with saline (salt water) to restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold. The name of the procedure signifies the laparoscopic techniques and gastric band used in this minimally invasive surgery.
The LAP-BAND works in two ways: it reduces the size of the stomach to hold less food, and it limits the amount of food that can enter the stomach. This means you feel full faster, so you eat less-and lose weight. This system is the only laparoscopic obesity surgery approved by the FDA and the only adjustable and reversible procedure for long-term weight loss available in the U.S. LAP-BANDing is generally considered to be the safest, least invasive, and least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries.
Patients who undergo LAP-BAND surgery typically lose about one to two pounds a week, and lose up to 50 percent of their excess weight within the first year of surgery. It is important to maintain a healthy life after surgery in order to maximize and fully enjoy the results of the procedure. This includes a diet that is low in fat and calories, as well as regular daily exercise.
Candidates for the LAP-BAND Procedure
LAP-BAND is designed to help morbidly obese patients gradually lose weight and control the results by restricting the size of the stomach and adhering to a healthy lifestyle. While many overweight patients can benefit from this laparoscopic obesity surgery, there are certain guidelines to help determine who is a good candidate for this procedure. The LAP-BAND procedure is most effective for patients who:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have a BMI of 40 or higher OR are at least 100 pounds overweight
- Have been overweight for at least five years
- Are committed to losing weight and making the necessary life changes
The LAP-BAND system is not recommended for people who have disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (such as ulcers, esophagitis or Crohn's disease), heart or lung disease, or are pregnant.
If you are considering weight loss surgery, you can discuss your options with your doctor to find out if you can benefit from this safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure.
LAP-BAND Procedure
During the LAP-BAND procedure, several tiny incisions are made in the abdominal wall to insert the surgical instruments and a camera to accurately visualize the area. There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach involved with this procedure, as there is with other bariatric procedures.
The surgeon then positions the gastric band around the stomach and fastens it with a lock to hold it in place. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is considered to be minimally invasive, as it requires only tiny incisions and has a short recovery time.
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Adjustments can be made as needed by adding or removing saline to the convenient access port that is placed during this procedure. This process is known as inflating or deflating and can be adjusted throughout the patient’s life after the LAP-BAND procedure.
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