Types of Surgery

LAP-BAND^�(r) LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BANDING
Laparoscopic gastric banding has been available in Europe and Australia as early as 1993. After its approval in the United States in 2001, the Lap-Band procedure has been the only laparoscopic banding option performed in the U.S. and is considered a restrictive operation.

The Surgery
The silicone elastomer Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Band has been proven safe and is placed around the upper stomach, creating a tiny stomach pouch. It is then connected to an access port below the surface of the skin. This allows the surgeon to adjust the size of the band to meet the patient's weight loss needs. The result is that the patient experiences a fullness and satisfaction from a smaller amount of food.

An ideal rate of weight loss is between one to three pounds per week. Depending on the patient's weight loss, the amount of food that can be comfortably eaten, the patient's exercise routine, and other health considerations the Lap-Band is adjusted during simple outpatient visits as needed.

Recent studies report that excess weight loss from Lap-Band gastric banding surgery is typically in the 50-60% range over 3-5 years.

ADVANTAGES: Because there is no cutting, stapling or intestinal rerouting involved with this procedure, it is considered to be the least traumatic of weight loss surgeries with fewer post-surgical complications. And, because it is performed minimally invasively, only five or six small incisions are usually required to implant the system.

Generally, less pain and scarring is experienced with a shorter hospital stay usually 24 hours or less.  Within one week, patients can typically resume their normal activities.  And because no permanent changes are made the band can be removed if necessary.

DISADVANTAGES: Vomiting may occur if food intake is too rapid or the opening into the lower stomach is too narrow. The silicone band may wear, slip, or leak, necessitating another surgery. Compared with gastric bypass, weight loss is slower and possibly not as well-sustained.

Click on the link to the right to download a brochure of the risks associated with Lap-Band Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding.

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The Risks of Lap-Band
Laparoscopic Adjustable
Gastric Banding Surgery