Adjustable

Gastric Banding

The LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the least invasive and only adjustable bariatric surgical procedure available in the U.S. LAP-BAND helps patients to gradually lose weight by simply limiting and manipulating their food intake. Unlike other procedures, LAP-BAND does not alter a patient’s natural anatomy and requires the shortest recovery period.

How Does Adjustable Gastric Banding Work?

The LAP-BAND® procedure involves two key steps:

Gastric Band – Our surgeon places a hollow silastic band around the top portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch and narrowing the passageway for food to pass into the rest of the stomach. The small size of the pouch limits the amount of food intake, leading to a sensation of feeling full, thus satisfying hunger. Using silastic materials minimizes the potential for the band to enlarge or expand over time, reducing the likelihood of regaining weight.

Adjustable Access Port – During the procedure, the surgeon then connects the silastic band to a small access port or reservoir, which is placed beneath the skin. The silastic band and reservoir are inflated with a salt solution. By increasing or decreasing the amount of salt solution, the silastic band can be tightening or loosened over time to change the size of the passageway between the small pouch and the rest of the stomach. As a result, patients can increase or decrease the amount of food their stomachs can hold.

Benefits of LAP-BAND®

As a minimally invasive surgical option, LAP-BAND results in minimal surgical trauma and does not require significant changes to the digestive tract (no intestinal re-routing, no cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel, etc.). Aside from portion size and/or intake volumes, LAP-BAND does not require any dietary restrictions so patients do not suffer from the “dumping syndrome”. Also, minimally invasive surgical procedures result in:

Less scarring
Less pain
Shorter hospital stays
Faster recovery periods
Less surgical risks
Fewer side effects

Plus, LAP-BAND has a lower short-term mortality rate than other surgical procedures.

In general, weight loss surgery has proven to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bariatric surgery is the only proven weight loss method for those suffering from morbid obesity (BMI of 40 or more). Plus, many obesity-related health conditions can improve and even be eliminated as a result. Here are just a few examples of the health benefits you can expect to achieve after undergoing weight loss surgery:

Lower blood pressure
Lower cholesterol levels
Improved cardiovascular health
Improved blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, potentially preventing type 2 diabetes
Lessened or eliminated asthma attacks
Improved sleep, lessened potential for sleep apnea and snoring
Relief from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and heartburn
Improved bladder control
Comfort and relief from lower back pain, inflammation and degenerative diseases
Improved metabolic health
For women, lessened menstrual dysfunction and improved fertility health
Relief from migraine headaches and depression
Enhanced quality of life and longevity
Resolved depression

Potential Risks with Gastric Bypass Surgery

As is the case with all types of surgeries, weight loss surgery also involves risks. Complications from bariatric surgery — such as wound infections, abdominal bleeding, staple/suture leakage, respiratory failure, pulmonary problems or other surgery-related issues — occur in less than five percent of the procedures performed. It is always beneficial to consult with your physician before committing to any type of surgery.

Longer term negative effects of bariatric surgery can include such issues as ulcers, anemia, vitamin deficiencies and symptomatic gallstones. Depending on the type of procedure, additional negative effects can include abdominal cramping, faintness and headaches. However, many of these risks can be eliminated and/or minimized with a proper nutritional diet and regular physical exercise.

Bariatric Surgery Comparison Chart

Our Bariatric Surgery Comparison Chart is a side-by-side comparison of all of the bariatric surgical procedures performed at Surgical Weight Loss Solutions. We’ve outlined the type of surgery, average length of hospital stay required for each procedure, diet and lifestyle changes required following surgery, expected weight loss and more.