Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the Allergan® LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the newest and the only device globally with FDA approval for 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 500,000 LAP-BAND procedures have been performed around the world.
Lap Band- Click on the image for an enlarged image.
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.
Coming soon is an interactive presentation on Lap band procedure.
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
As apposed to other types of weight loss surgery the lapband
system is adjustable and can be easily adjusted after surgery to
meet patients requirements. 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.
Click on the image for an enlarged image
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.
Click on the images for enlarged images.
The LAP-BAND® System Advantage
Minimal Trauma
Least invasive surgical option
No intestinal re-routing
No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel
Reduced patient pain, hospital length-of-stay and recovery period
Fewer Risks and Side Effects
Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures
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 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 180,000 cases performed worldwide
Standard of care for hundreds of practices around the world
Academic publications with up to 7 years of follow-up
Coming soon is an interactive presentation on Lap Band surgery.
Adelaide Obesity Surgery - the expert team behind the latest release for gastric band clients
