Lapband®
Adjustable Gastric Banding
This restrictive type of bariatric surgical procedure, Lapband® or Adjustable Gastric Banding, is one of the most popular weight loss surgeries in America.
Uses Silicone Band to Create Gastric Pouch
During this procedure, the surgeon places a hollow silicone band [lapband®] around the upper end of the stomach, creating a small gastric pouch with a narrow passageway [stoma] into the larger lower part of the stomach.
Band Connected to Saline Reservoir
The band is then inflated with a salt solution, and remains connected by tube to a saline reservoir placed beneath the skin during surgery.
Reduces Appetite and Food Calorie Intake
The small size of the pouch limits the amount of food that the patient can eat at any one time, and it's narrow exit slows down stomach-emptying which keeps the patient feeling fuller for longer.
Fully Adjustable
During post-operative follow-up, a nurse can tighten or loosen the lapband® by controlling the amount of saline in the band. This is done by piercing the reservoir through the skin with a needle.
No Alteration of Stomach Anatomy
In addition, because the band is removable and does not permanently alter stomach anatomy, it provides an option for patients who may not otherwise consider surgery for treatment of their obesity. Other advantages include a shorter hospital stay and no effect on the absorption of nutrients.
Less Successful Than Gastric Bypass
Although thousands of patients have succeeded in losing weight after lap band surgery, this restrictive type of bariatric operation tends to produce less effective weight loss than more complex gastric bypass procedures, like biliopancreatic diversion, roux-en-y or fobi pouch.
See also:
Adjustable Gastric Banding
Lap Band Procedure
Lap-Band Benefits & Risks
Post-Operative Follow-Up
Gastric Banding
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
(Band plus Staples)
Research into Vertical
Banding
Research into Adjustable
Gastric Banding
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