LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System

Is the LAP-BAND® System surgery for you?

Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is a minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible surgical treatment for morbid obesity. It is also the gastric banding system with the most experience in the United States.

The LAP-BAND® System 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 Europe in 1993, over 500,000 LAP-BAND® System devices have been sold around the world.
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The LAP-BAND® System Advantage

Minimal Trauma

• Minimally invasive approach
• No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel. and no intestinal re-routing
• Small incisions and minimal scarring
• Reduced patient pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period

Fewer Risks and Side Effects

• 10 times less operative and short-term mortality than gastric bypass(1)
• Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
• Reduced risk of hair loss
• No "dumping syndrome related to dietary intake restrictions

Adjustable

• Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss rate
• Adjustments performed without additional surgery
• Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs

Reversible

• Removable at any time
• Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms and functions

Effective Long-Term Weight Loss

• More than 500,000 LAP-BAND® System devices sold worldwide
• Standard of care for hundreds of practices around the world
• #1 selling adjustable gastric band for weight loss
• Academic publications with up to 10 years of follow-up

Minimally Invasive Approach

During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long 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, small 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.

Unlike gastric bypass, there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the LAP-BAND® System procedure. 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, it can be done, in some cases laparoscopically. Surgeons report that the stomach generally returns to its original shape after the removal of the LAP-BAND® System.

Adjustable Treatment

The LAP-BAND® System is also adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their LAP-BAND® System to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their LAP-BAND® System tightened.

To modify the size of the LAP-BAND® System, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The LAP-BAND® System 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.

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.