The
LAP-BAND System is an innovative surgical treatment developed to help
you achieve significant reduction in excess body weight. Of all the surgical
procedures for reducing the capacity of the stomach, laparoscopic banding
is the least invasive. One of the major advantages of the LAP-BAND System
is the adjustability of the band’s diameter to meet your individual
needs. This is not possible with other procedures. If removal is necessary,
your stomach generally returns to its original form and function. The
name “LAP-BAND” is an abbreviated and trademarked combination
of the words representing the surgical technique and the product employed
in this method (LAP from laparoscopic and BAND from gastric band).
How does the LAP-BAND System work?
The
LAP-BAND System’s silicone elastomer band is placed around the upper
part of the stomach to create a new small stomach pouch which can hold
only a small amount of food. The larger part of the stomach is below the
band. The stoma (stomach outlet) controlled by the band between the two
parts slows down the passage of food from the upper to the lower part
of the stomach. This results in an earlier and longer-lasting feeling
of satiety (fullness).
To modify the size of the stoma, the inner surface of the band can be
adjusted by adding or removing (inflating or deflating) saline, a salty
solution similar to fluids found in the body. The band is connected by
tubing to a reservoir which is placed well beneath the skin during surgery.
After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in
the band by piercing the reservoir with a fine needle through the skin.
If the band is too loose and weight loss is insufficient, the stoma size
can be reduced by adding more saline. If the band is too tight, the surgeon
will remove some saline. This can be done in a clinic or radiology department
without further surgery. The ability to adjust the band is a unique characteristic
of the LAP-BAND System and is a normal part of surgical follow-up for
this procedure. If the inflation or deflation does not achieve the desired
result, an additional surgical procedure may be necessary.
How is the LAP-BAND System placed?
The
LAP-BAND System is designed to be placed laparoscopically. Although considered
to be significantly less invasive than traditional surgery, laparoscopic
surgery is still surgery, and general anesthesia is required. The surgeon
makes a few small incisions in the abdominal wall to insert narrow, hollow
tubes, and thin surgical instruments are placed through these tubes. The
surgeon "sees" inside the abdomen by using a small camera which
is also placed through the tubes, and the picture is projected on a television-type
monitor. This surgical technique is called “laparoscopy” and
is considered “minimally invasive.” Most people experience much
less pain following a laparoscopic operation than after a traditional
“open” operation in which a larger incision is made through
the abdominal wall. Patients also recover faster and are able to resume
normal activities more rapidly. However, for a variety of reasons, the
surgeon may place the LAP-BAND System via a larger abdominal incision
rather than via laparoscopy. The surgeon may need to make this decision
during the surgical procedure. Both approaches are discussed in this booklet.
You and your surgeon should discuss the plan and choose what is best for
you.
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LAP-BAND System Placement
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LAP-BAND System Adjustment
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The use of the LAP-BAND System
The LAP-BAND System is an aid to support you in achieving longer-lasting
weight loss by limiting how much you can eat, reducing your appetite and
slowing digestion. Nevertheless, you should remember that the LAP-BAND
System alone will not resolve the problem of severe obesity nor will it
guarantee that you will reach your goal weight or even lose weight. The
amount of weight you lose depends not only on the function of the band,
but also on your motivation and commitment to maintaining your new lifestyle
and eating habits.
How much weight can you lose with the LAP-BAND
System?
The average reported weight loss following a LAP-BAND System operation
is between one-third and two-thirds of excess weight. Some people lose
up to 100% of their excess weight and some do not lose any weight.
Example:
Assume that you currently weigh 350 pounds, and for your height your
ideal weight is 155 pounds. Thus, you are 195 pounds overweight. One third
of this is 65 pounds and two-thirds is approximately 130 pounds. With
the aid of the LAP-BAND System, you will probably be able to lose between
65 and 130 pounds.
Some people lose more weight than others. As demonstrated in the above
example, you may never reach your ideal weight, but in most cases your
health will improve, along with your self-image.
What if removal of the LAP-BAND System is necessary?
Should you be unable to achieve sufficient weight loss or to adjust to
the new eating habits, your surgeon may decide to remove the band, after
consultation with you. According to the results obtained to date, removing
the LAP-BAND System will generally restore your stomach to its original
form and the digestive tract will again function normally. Please keep
in mind that when the band is removed, your weight will probably increase.
Seeking additional information about the LAP-BAND system? Please visit
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