Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery (LapBand) is regarded as a less invasive form of weight loss surgery. No cutting or stapling of the stomach is involved, and the procedure is reversible – with the stomach returning to normal size when the band is removed. The LapBand system received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2001 and was specifically designed for laparoscopic surgical use.
Patients who choose to have LapBand weight loss surgery will typically experience these benefits:
- 33 to 66 percent loss of excess body weight within the first year after surgery (weight loss is slower and less significant than with gastric bypass)
- Improvement or complete remission of health disorders resulting from obesity*, such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Gastric reflux
- Sleep apnea and other conditions
- Increase in mobility
- Improvement in psychological wellness
- Improvement in social interactions
- And, most important, overall improvement in quality of life
The success of the lap band weight loss procedure depends on how committed and motivated the patient is to adhering to the post-surgery dietary and exercise guidelines, which are key to achieving long-term weight loss.
*Improvement or complete resolution of medical problems is not guaranteed and they may recur if weight is regained.
What the LapBand Procedure Involves
LapBand surgery works by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold.
The procedure involves placing a silicone band around the top part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that fills quickly and gives the patient an early sense of fullness when eating.
The band contains a reservoir that may be adjusted through a port that is stitched beneath the skin to an upper-abdominal muscle layer. By adding or removing solution to/from the reservoir, the surgeon can increase or decrease the tightness of the band – regulating the amount of food that can be taken in. The surgeon’s ability to adjust the band’s tension helps ensure that desirable weight loss levels are achieved.
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