Lap Band Surgery: A Conservative Approach to Surgical Weight Loss
The LAP-BAND AP® System is a saline-filled adjustable band placed around the upper-most part of the stomach. The band divides the stomach into two portions, one smaller and one larger portion. Because food is regulated, most patients feel full faster when they eat. Food digestion occurs through the normal digestive process.
Since the band is put in place using a laparoscopic procedure (one in which fiber-optic instruments are used) potential for complications is greatly reduced. The procedure is minimally invasive with no stapling or dividing of native tissue.
The procedure can usually be performed in less than an hour. You'll probably be "up and around" later that day. Many of our patients are discharged the same day as their procedure, or after only a single night's stay.
Below is a list of factors you may want to consider when making your decision. You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about Lap Banding.
Advantages
- Restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at a meal.
- Food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the usual order allowing it to be fully absorbed into the body.
- In multiple studies involving over 3,000 patients, excess weight loss ranged from 28-87%, with a minimum of 2-year postoperative follow-up.
- Band can be adjusted to increase or decrease restriction.
- Surgery can be reversed.
Risks
- Gastric perforation or tearing in the stomach wall may require additional operation.
- Access port leakage or twisting may require additional operation.
- May not provide the necessary feeling of satisfaction that one has had enough to eat.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Outlet obstruction.
- Pouch dilatation.
- Band migration/slippage.
To learn more about Lap Banding, please call the New U Clinic at 208-529-7373.
