Lap-BandŽ System Overview

The  Adjustable Gastric Banding System induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.

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

Minimally Invasive Approach

During the procedure, the surgeon uses laparoscopic techniques 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 causes patients to experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.

Least Traumatic Procedure

Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the LAP-BAND System procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. If for any reason the adjustable gastric band needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form, and normal eating is possible, unfortunately with a return to preoperative weight.

Adjustable Treatment

As opposed to other types of weight loss surgery the gastric band is adjustable and can be easily adjusted after surgery to meet patients requirements. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.

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.

The adjustable gastric band Advantage

Minimal Trauma

• Least invasive surgical option
• No intestinal re-routing
• No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel

Fewer Risks and Side Effects

• Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures
• Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
• Reduced risk of hair loss
• No dumping syndrome related to dietary intake restrictions

Adjustable

• Allows individualised degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss
• Adjustments performed without additional surgery
• Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs

Disadvantages

Requires close followup

Monthly followup is needed for the first year for best results, and yearly followup thereafter for life, to check the fluid level in the band strict dietary rules need to be reinforced the lack of dumping means that a conscious effort to avoid high calorie drinks and ice-cream is needed- these pass very easily through the band so early satiety is not reached.

A mechanical system

There is the potential for slippage and erosion that could require urgent deflation and/or removal of the band (estimated at about 10% over a lifetime). If band removal is required, the patient is back to square one, with the potential for weight regain. Any further surgery must be funded again by the patient.

Variable weight loss

Whilst results after obesity surgery are largely the responsibility of the patient, there is much slower weight loss and much greater variability between patients who have had a band than after other operations.