Dr. Grossbard shows you the LapBand System.
LAP-BAND® System
Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the
BioEnterics® LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the least
invasive and the only 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
120,000 LAP-BAND procedures have been performed around the world.
Minimally Invasive Approach
During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques
(using small incisions and long-shafted instruments), 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 limits and controls the amount of
food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying
process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients
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. The laparoscopic approach to
the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative
pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any
reason the LAP-BAND System needs to be removed, the stomach
generally returns to its original form.
Adjustable Treatment
The LAP-BAND System is also the only adjustable weight loss surgery.
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.
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.
[LAP-BAND® Candidates]
[Risk Information]
1. Executive summary:
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for the treatment of obesity
(Update and Re-appraisal). The Australian Safety and Efficacy
Register of New Interventional Procedures – Surgical (ASERNIPS)
2002; 1. (Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery, like the
LAP-BAND surgery, is associate with a mean short-term mortality rate
of around 0.05% compared to 0.50% for Gastric Bypass and 0.31% for
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty.)
