How It Works

Laparoscopically placed around the upper part of the stomach, the band divides the stomach into a small upper pouch above the band and a larger pouch below the band. This small pouch limits the amount of food that a patient can eat at any one time, and will result in a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food.
 

Band Adjustment

Adjusting the size of the opening between the two parts of the stomach controls how much food passes from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. This opening (stoma) between the two parts of the stomach can easily be decreased or increased, by injecting or removing saline from the band. The band is connected by a tube to a reservoir placed beneath the skin during surgery. The surgeon or nurse practitioner can later control the amount of saline in the band by piercing the reservoir through the skin with a fine needle. The ability to adjust the band is a unique feature of gastric banding and is a normal part of follow-up.

 

Benefits

Because the band is removable, adjustable and does not permanently alter the anatomy, it provides an option for patients who may not otherwise consider surgery for treatment of their obesity. Other advantages include a shorter hospital stay and no effects on the absorption of nutrients.

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Expected Weight Loss

Estimated weight loss is approximately 80 to 150 pounds over two years.

In general, most patients find they are unable to easily tolerate red meat, pasta, rice, fresh bread and fibrous foods. You will be asked to eat three meals a day with one to three planned snacks, chew your food very well and swallow slowly. You must drink only calorie-free or low caloric beverages and wait at least one hour after eating to drink.
 

The Lap-Band procedure also results in an effective resolution of major illnesses that ordinarily accompany obesity. Nearly 85 to 90 percent of overweight patients suffering from hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and other major illnesses will see a significant improvement or resolution after undergoing Lap-Band.