The LAP BAND ® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the newest and the only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity and weight loss surgery in the United States. The lap band (gastric adjustable band) restricts the amount of food that can be consumed by reducing the capacity of the stomach.
The LAP BAND (gastric band) System is the only adjustable and reversible obesity surgery available in the U.S. Once implanted, the band can be tightened or loosened, via the balloon on its inner surface that can be inflated or deflated with saline. LAP BAND adjustments are performed in an outpatient setting in a matter of minutes.
Minimally Invasive Approach
During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions
and long-shafted instruments rather than a large incision), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you 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.
Least Traumatic Procedure
Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach rerouting involved in the LAP-BAND System procedure, it is considered the least tramatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. 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 also the only adjustable weight loss surgery available in the United States. The diameter of the band is adjustable to meet your individual needs, which can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.
To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to a reservoir, which is placed well under the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the reservoir with a fine needle through the skin. |
