Bariatric Surgery

Laparoscopic Adjustable Band (Lap-Band)

The Laparoscopic Adjustable Band, or Lap-Band, is a small adjustable band made of silicone rubber that is wrapped around the upper portion of the stomach. The band decreases the functional size of the stomach, which means that after eating only a small amount of food you will feel full. It works by turning the stomach into an hourglass shape — the food you eat quickly fills the pouch, then empties very slowly through the constriction created by the band, just like sand passing through and hourglass. The band is adjustable and can be personally sized to each patient’s needs.

Four to six weeks after surgery, you will return to our clinic to have your band inflated. The Lap-Band is inflated by injecting saline through an access port located underneath the skin on your stomach. If your band is ever too tight or too loose, all you have to do is return to the clinic for an adjustment. Lap-Band surgery is performed laparoscopically, which means surgeons will make five or six small incisions in the abdominal wall.

Advantages:

• Lower Risk: Because this is a relatively simple operation, it provides the lowest risk of all bariatric surgeries.
• No cutting or stapling of the stomach is required.
• Adjustability: The restriction of the band can be tailored to your personal needs.
• Short Hospital Stay: Most patients go home the same day or after a brief overnight stay in the hospital.

Disadvantages:

• Foreign Body: The Lap-Band is a foreign body that could lead to infection or erosion, and a higher risk of long-term complications.
• Multiple Adjustments: Everyone requires at least three or four adjustments. Sometimes, it is hard to find the perfect adjustment where the band is tight enough for good weight loss but not so tight that it causes vomiting.
• Gradual Weight Loss: Weight loss is gradual and may be less than with other bariatric surgeries.