LAP-BAND® System Overview

In the Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure, a band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band can then be inflated with a saline solution through a reservoir (port) placed in the abdomen under the skin. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of saline solution. The entire procedure is done laparoscopically, where a laparoscope is inserted through the abdominal wall through small surgical incisions.

It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.

Lap Band- Click on the image for an enlarged image.

Minimally Invasive Approach

During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.

Adjustable Treatment

The LAP-BAND System is an adjustable weight loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight.

Click on the image for an enlarged image

To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to an access port, which is placed well below the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin.

Click on the images for enlarged images.

Advantages:

Adjustable – customized per patient
No stomach stapling, cutting or intestinal rerouting
Reversible
Lowest operative complication & mortality rate
Low malnutrition risk
Least invasive surgical approach

Disadvantages:

Slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass
Regular follow-up critical for optimal results
Requires an implanted medical device
Band could slip
Port may leak and require minor revisional surgery
Risk of band erosion or silastic reaction