FDA approved in 2001, the LAP BAND and has been slower to gain popularity in the United States. With improved patient selection and education as well as more aggressive follow-up and adjustments, we are seeing phenomenal outcomes with minimal risk to patients. It is because of the lower mortality rate (0.1%) and morbidity rate and substantial weight loss outcomes that this procedure is gaining acceptance and popularity in the United States.
An inflatable band is used to
create a 30 cc gastric pouch by wrapping the band
around the upper part of the stomach. The pouch allows the patient to eat smaller amounts of food to achieve a sensation of fullness that occurs quickly and lasts for an extended period of time. The interior of the LAP-BANDŽ Adjustable Gastric Band consists of an inflatable tube that your surgeon will fill to the desired volume with saline solution. The port, or access point to the tube, is placed just beneath the skin of the abdomen during surgery. Adjustments to the tightness of the band can be made in response to increased or decreased rates of weight loss and special circumstances such as pregnancy. Tightening the band increases the restriction around the stomach, and reduces the amount of food you can consume. Although the band is reversible, it is designed to stay in place permanently and only in medically indicated situations is the band actually removed. To learn more about the band, visit www.lapband.com.
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