The Lap Band (aka Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding) is a restrictive weight loss procedure. The device consists of a silicone band with an inflatable collar. This device gets placed surgically around the upper portion of the stomach to create a small gastric pouch. The band is connected to a port that is placed in the subcutaneous tissue within the abdominal wall
Advantages:
1) The band is adjustable. You can come into the office to have the band deflated or inflated based on your degree of intake.
2) The operation is simple and quick.
3) No incisions are made on the intestines, which reduces the potential morbidity and mortality of these operations.
4) The band is removable. If the patient fails to lose weight from this procedure, the band may be removed and another surgical weight loss technique may be utilized.
Disadvantages:
1) Frequent post-operative visits are required before getting the band to the correct degree of inflation.
2) The band can slip along the stomach. This occurs in 5-10% of patients.
3) Determined patients can “eat around” the band. The band does not necessarily prevent intake of hi-caloric liquids.
4) The band is a foreign body. It can erode into the intestine. It can also become infected.
To determine if you are a candidate for Lap Band surgery, contact our team at Rox Bariatric.
