LAP-BAND® (Adjustable Gastric Banding System)

	Photograph of LAP-BAND® Gastric Banding Bariatric System for Weight Loss

LAP-BAND® is the most common form of weight loss surgery in Europe and Australia. Approved by the FDA, it is usually performed laparoscopically. It is one of the least invasive approaches to obesity because neither the stomach nor the intestine is cut. The amount of weight you lose depends both on the band and on your motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle and eating habits. The LAP-BAND® System can help you achieve longer-lasting weight loss by:

	limiting the amount you can eat
	reducing your appetite
	slowing digestion.

How LAP-BAND® Works

The LAP-BAND® System involves the laparoscopic placement of a hollow silastic band around the upper part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into a small upper pouch above the band and a larger pouch below the band. This small gastric pouch limits the amount of food that a patient can eat at any one time, and will result in a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food.

Band Adjustment

Adjusting the size of the opening between the two parts of the stomach controls how much food passes from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. This opening (stoma) between the two parts of the stomach can easily be decreased or increased, by injecting or removing saline from the band. The band is connected by a tube to a reservoir placed beneath the skin during surgery. The surgeon or Nurse Practitioner can later control the amount of saline in the band by piercing the reservoir through the skin with a fine needle. Being able to adjust the band is a unique feature of the LAP-BAND® system and is a normal part of the follow-up.

Click here to view procedure.

	A silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach			The LAP-BAND® system is adjustable.

The Benefits of LAP-BAND®

Because the band is removable, adjustable and does not permanently alter the anatomy, it provides an option for patients who may not otherwise consider surgery for treatment of their obesity.  Other advantages include a shorter hospital stay and no effects on the absorption of nutrients.

Expected Weight Loss

Estimated weight loss is approximately 40 - 50% of one's excess weight to be achieved over 2 years.

In general, most patients find they are unable to easily tolerate red meat, pasta, rice, fresh bread and fibrous foods. You will be asked to eat three meals a day with one planned snack, chew your food very well and swallow slowly. You must only drink either no or low caloric beverages and wait at least one hour between eating and drinking.