LAP-BAND® Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery

LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding is a technique for pure restrictive weight loss surgery. There is no malabsorptive component to the procedure, and weight loss is achieved by careful planning with the reduction in calories consumed. What makes this procedure more effective than the other traditional restrictive procedures, such as the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) is the adjustability of the band. LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding gives flexibility in the amount of restriction you have, thus the ability to vary the amount of calories consumed, in a manner that can provide optimum weight loss with a minimum of potential for nutrition problems.

Advantages of LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding are that the procedure is much less invasive than the malabsorptive or hybrid procedures, the patient difficulties are kept to a minimum, and the band's adjustability allows the flexibility to meet the changing needs of the patients. The procedure is relatively easy on both patient and surgeon, and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Generally patients will return to work within one week. Without a malabsorptive component to the operation, there will be more flexibility in the patient's diet and less dependency upon long-term vitamin and mineral supplementation to avoid deficiencies. There is no 'dumping syndrome' associated with LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery, and thus no issues with food preferences.

Negative aspects of LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery include the adjustment routine, which requires an office visit with a physician, a needle stick to inject or withdraw saline from the port, and typically a radiological evaluation to verify flow through the gastric pouch. Current studies indicate a slower rate of weight loss than with malabsorptive or hybrid procedures, to a reported average of up to 75% excess weight loss, with most patients reporting in the 40-50% range.

We believe that LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery can be equally effective as gastric bypass if the patient is committed to a life-long process of education and maintenance geared towards maximizing their outcomes. For someone who believes that their weight loss hinges strictly on the ability to reduce their consumption, this procedure can be tremendously effective. For someone who feels as though poor dietary choices are their biggest problem, the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding may not be as effective. Proper mechanical adaptation in eating habits, a sound approach to developing a balanced diet, and regular exercise are the keys to long-term success with LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band surgery.

Description of the Procedure

The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure involves making several small incisions, introduction of a camera into the abdomen to visualize the upper stomach, and then placing the band around the fundus of the stomach. The band is fastened into place and then sutured to the stomach to prevent slippage. The adjustment tube coming off of the band is then passed through the abdominal wall and attached to the adjustment port, which is secured in a hollow between your involves a minimum of skin, subcutaneous layers, and the abdominal muscles. This procedure involves less tissue dissection and tissue disruption, thus a reduction in discomfort for the patient.  A radiological evaluation is done, where the patient swallows some contrast, and the passage through the band is visualized to verify correct placement. The patient is then discharged to home on a liquid diet. We are excited about offering this option to motivated patients, as it offers the best of new, minimally invasive techniques while still providing an excellent tool for weight reduction.

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