Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the Bio-Enterics
® LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the newest and the only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. Since its clinical introduction in 1993, more than 100,000 LAP-BAND
® procedures have been performed around the world.
This type of procedure is a restrictive surgical procedure where a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. The band divides the stomach into two portions, one small and one larger portion. Food intake is thus regulated by making most patients feel full faster on a smaller amount of food. The digestion of food occurs through the normal body processes.
LAP-BAND Surgery and How it Works
The LAP-BAND surgery is generally done through a laparoscopic procedure, but does in rare situations have to be converted to an open procedure. The LAP-BAND is a silicone elastic band that is surgically placed around the stomach to create a small, approximately one half-ounce pouch, with a narrowed outlet. The size of the band can be adjusted by injecting or withdrawing saline into a small port that is placed under the skin during surgery. The port is connected to a piece of I.V. tubing, which is connected to the Adjustable Band. When you eat, the small pouch fills quickly with food and empties slowly to relieve hunger and it produces a feeling of fullness. Overeating results in discomfort or pain that may limit your food intake and/or can also lead to vomiting.
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| Advantages and Disadvantages Comparison Chart |
| Advantages of LAP-BAND Surgery | Disadvantages of LAP-BAND Surgery | Complications |
| Reversible. This may be particularly important in the early stages of pregnancy or in the case of a malignancy. Although it is reversible, there are still changes to the stomach and esophagus that occur as a result of the surgery. | Slower weight loss initially and less weight loss overall | Band slippage which may require having another surgery |
| Less invasive, with no cutting or stapling of the bowel. | Less tolerance to solid food, especially meat | Erosion of the band which may mean removal of the band or repair of the stomach with the possibility of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass |
| Mortality rate may be lower than with the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. | More patient compliance is necessary due to frequent band adjustments and the time required to learn how to properly live with the band | Less time is spent in the operating room under anesthesia. The average time is approximately 1 hour. |
| Less time is spent in the operating room under anesthesia. The average time is approximately 1 hour. | Involves placement of a foreign object inside the body, and may require removal and/or replacement | Infection at the port site |
| Because of certain pre-existing conditions, some patients are better surgical candidates for the Adjustable-Band rather than the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. | Possibly no weight loss | Port leaking |
| There may be a shorter hospital stay with the Adjustable-Band. |
| Pulmonary embolus (blood clot) |
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| Death rate is <1% |
Your Motivation
While the LAP-BAND System is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, the pounds do not come off by themselves. The LAP-BAND is an aid to support you in achieving lasting results by limiting food intake, reducing appetite and slowing digestion. However, your motivation and commitment to adopt a new lifestyle are extremely important for long-term weight loss. You’ll need to adhere to new eating habits for the rest of your life. Exercise is an equally important component of a changed lifestyle.
