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 The
LAP-BANDŽ operation is a less invasive alternative to the gastric
bypass operation. It has been in use in the United States since FDA
approval in 2001 and in many other parts of the world since 1993. It has
become the primary weight-loss operation in many countries outside the
United States. Studies have shown the LAP-BANDŽ operation to be safe and
effective for weight loss.
Understanding the LAP-BANDŽ operation
The LAP-BANDŽ is an adjustable band made from silicone. The LAP-BANDŽ
is placed around the top of the stomach forming a very small pouch (15cc
or 1/2oz). The LAP-BANDŽ 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 food is
consumed, it quickly fills the small stomach pouch, satisfying hunger.
Over time, the food empties from the pouch through the band into the
remainder of the stomach. Weight loss occurs because the small stomach
pouch restricts the quantity of food that can be consumed.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
Am I A Candidate?
Guidelines for weight loss surgery have been set by the National
Institutes of Health. The guidelines state that candidates should have a
BMI (body mass index) of 40 or greater. Candidates may have a BMI of
35-39.9 if other medical problems associated with obesity are present.
Hospital Course
Patients report to the hospital the day of surgery. Surgery usually takes
about one hour. Patients begin drinking liquids and walking soon after surgery.
Patients are usually discharged from the hospital on the day of surgery or the
day after surgery.
After surgery
The postoperative diet consists of liquids and protein shakes for two
weeks. A slow transition onto solid food is begun starting two weeks
after surgery. Patients attend a nutrition class 2 weeks after surgery
to learn how to transition onto solid food and to learn the rules of
good nutrition and eating after
LAP-BANDŽ surgery.
Office appointments will be made every 4-8 weeks the first year after
surgery and less often thereafter. Follow-up is extremely important
after LAP-BANDŽ surgery. Frequent follow-up has been shown to result
in better weight loss. This is because bad eating habits (cheating after
LAP-BANDŽ surgery is not difficult) can be frequently addressed and
changed and because the band can be tightened as needed.
Weight Loss
Studies have shown that weight loss after LAP-BANDŽ Surgery averages 55-65% of excess weight within two years1-3.
It is important to remember that these weight loss results are averages.
Patients can lose more or less weight than the average. The operation is
only one part of the weight loss process. Good eating habits and
exercise are extremely important to maximize weight loss after surgery.
Patients who are able to commit themselves to good eating habits and
regular exercise after surgery generally lose more weight that those who
can't.
Impact of LAP-BANDŽ Surgery on Medical Problems
Many medical problems are associated with obesity. Examples include diabetes,
high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain and arthritis, heartburn, asthma,
depression, infertility, urinary stress incontinence, lower extremity swelling
and headaches. Studies have shown that all tend to either resolve or improve
after surgery4-6.
LAP-BANDŽ Financing available:
Coastal Center for Obesitys
LAP-BANDŽ patients can now finance all costs
associated with LAP-BANDŽ. LAP-BANDŽ can help you take control of your hunger,
lose dangerous excess weight and keep it off.
Call 888 527 5222 or email us:
coastalinfo@coastalobesity.com
Bibliography and LAP-BANDŽ references
1. O'Brien PE, Brown WA, Smith A et al. Prospective study of a
laparoscopically placed, adjustable gastric band in the treatment of
obesity. Br J Surg 1999;85:113-118.
2. Dargent J. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: lessons from the
first 500 patients in a single institution. Obes Surg 1999;9:446-52.
3. Belachew M, Legrand M, Vincent V et al. Laparoscopic adjustable
gastric banding. World J Surg 1998;22:955-63.
4. Alvarez-Cordero R, Ramirez-Wiella G, Aragon-Viruette E et al.
Laparoscopic gastric banding: initial two year experience. Obes Surg
1998;8:360.
5. Dixon JB, O'Brien PE. Gastroesophageal reflux in obesity: the effect
of LAP-BANDŽ placement. Obes Surg 1999;9:527-31.
6. Dixon JB, Chapman L, O'Brien P. Marked Improvement in asthma after
LAP-BANDŽ surgery for morbid obesity. Obes Surg 1999;9:385-9.
More information:
Get more information on LAP-BANDŽ Procedure
Gastric Bypass and LAP-BANDŽ
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