LAP-BAND^® Surgery

 The LAP-BAND® Solution

The LAP-BAND® surgical procedure is performed in an outpatient day surgery setting. Placement of the LAP-BAND® system will take about 1 hour under general anesthesia. You will wake up in the recovery room. During the operation, the band will be placed around the upper part of your stomach creating a very small pouch above the band. Part of the lower stomach will then be sutured over the band to secure the device. The rest of the lower stomach will stay in its normal position for digestion. Your digestion will remain unaltered. The access port for adjusting the band will be placed under your skin and sutured in place to the underlying muscle. Once you are fully awake, you will return to your day surgery bed. A barium swallow will be performed under fluoroscopy x-ray to ensure correct placement of the band. You will be discharged home when oral fluids are taken well. The LAP-BAND®  will be placed without any saline in the band – it is left empty. Once the initial swelling from the procedure has resolved, the first adjustment can be performed about 4-6 weeks after the operation, if needed.

Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the most widely used adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. Since its clinical introduction in 1993, more than 450,000 LAP-BAND® procedures have been performed around the world.

How It Works 

The LAP-BAND® is an adjustable band made from silicon. The LAP-BAND® is placed around the top of the stomach forming a very small pouch(30 cc or 1 oz).  is connected to a port which is implanted under the skin of the abdomen. By adding or removing saline from the port, the band tightness around the stomach can be adjusted. When the food is consumed, it quickly fills the small stomach pouch, satisfying hunger. This gives the sensation of feeling full sooner and the feeling of fullness lasts longer between meals. Weight loss occurs because the small stomach pouch restricts the quantity of food that can be consumed. You will stay full for a longer period of time as the food empties slowly from the pouch through the tightened band into the lower part of the stomach where digestion begins. Patients who are able to commit themselves to good eating habits and regular exercise after surgery general loose more weight.

Click on the above image to view a video of the LAP-BAND® procedure.

The LAP-BAND® System is not right for everyone. Here are some of the things we will consider when evaluating your candidacy for obesity surgery.
 

The LAP-BAND® System may be right for you if:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• Your BMI is 40 or higher or you weigh at least twice your ideal weight or you weigh at least 100 pounds more than your ideal weight. (BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (lbs.) by height in inches squared (in2) and multiplying that amount by 704.5).
• BMI 35-40 and have other medical problems.
• You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
• Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success.
• You do not have any other disease that may have caused your obesity.
• You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
• You are willing to continue being monitored long term by the specialist who is treating you.
• You do not drink alcohol in excess.

Please Note: A BMI between 30-35 or younger than 18 years old does NOT exclude you from LAP-BAND® surgery. Dr. Fox assesses these patients on a case by case basis. However, at the present time, insurance will not cover the procedure if your BMI is less than 35 or if you are younger then 18 years of age.

Click here for the BMI Calculator.

The LAP-BAND® System is not right for you if:

• You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn’s disease.
• You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
• You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
• You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. This might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel).
• You have portal hypertension.
• Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance you might have a narrowed opening.
• You have or have experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement.
• You have cirrhosis.
• You have chronic pancreatitis.
• You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the BioEnterics LAP-BAND® System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.)
• You are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
• You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area.
• You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment.
• You might be allergic to materials in the device.

Your Motivation

The LAP-BAND® by itself is NOT a magic cure. While the LAP-BAND® System is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, the pounds do not come off by themselves. The LAP-BAND® System is an aid to support you in achieving lasting results by limiting food intake, reducing appetite and slowing digestion. However, your motivation and commitment to adopt a new lifestyle is extremely important for long-term weight loss. New eating habits must be adhered to for the rest of your life. Exercise is an equally important component of a changed lifestyle.