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The
BioEnterics®
LAP-BAND System is designed to help you lose excess body weight for resolution
of obesity-related health conditions and
enhancement of life. In partnership with leading bariatric surgeons
around the world, a new surgical approach
has been developed that eliminates many of the known associated operative
risks and provides unique benefits compared to other obesity surgeries. This
effort has resulted in the LAP-BAND System, the only adjustable and reversible
obesity surgery that does not require cutting and stapling of the stomach or
gastrointestinal re-routing to bypass normal digestion. Patient benefits include
reduced surgical trauma, complications, pain, and scarring, as well as shorter
hospitalization and recovery time compared to other obesity
surgeries. The name "LAP-BAND" comes
from the surgical technique used (laparoscopic) and the name of the implanted
medical device (gastric band).
LAP-BAND® System Adjustable Gastric Banding
The
LAP-BAND System adjustable gastric banding procedure restricts the
amount of food the stomach can hold by placing an inflatable silicone
band around the upper part of the stomach. The new, small upper stomach
pouch limits the amount of food that can be consumed at one time, and a
narrowed stomach outlet increases the time it takes for the stomach to
empty. The subsequent reduction in food intake results in weight loss.
Advantages
-
Lowest mortality rate
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Least invasive surgical approach
-
No
stomach stapling or cutting, or intestinal re-routing
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Adjustable
-
Reversible
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Lowest operative complication rate
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Low
malnutrition risk
Disadvantages
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Slower initial weight loss than Gastric Bypass or BPD
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Regular follow-up critical for optimal results
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Requires an implanted medical device
-
In
some cases, effectiveness can be reduced due to band slippage
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In
some cases, the access port may leak and require minor revisional
surgery
LAP-BAND System Overview
The
body gets energy from food while it
passes through the alimentary canal, which consists of the mouth,
esophagus, stomach, and small and
large intestines. Digestion starts in
the mouth with chewing and
the addition of saliva. After food passes through the esophagus,
this process continues in the stomach. The stomach then provides
temporary storage for food. Gastric juices, which contain enzymes,
break down the food so that energy can be
carried through the body by the blood.
The LAP-BAND System is a silicone
elastomer ring designed to be placed around the upper part of the
stomach and filled with saline on the inner surface. This creates a new
small stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach
below the band so the food storage
area in the stomach is reduced, and the pouch above the band can
hold only a small amount of food. The
band also controls the stoma (stomach outlet) between the two
parts of the stomach. The size of the stoma regulates the flow of the
food from the upper to the lower part
of the stomach. When the stoma is smaller, you feel full
sooner and have a feeling of satiety
so you are not hungry between meals.
The
band is connected by tubing to an
access port that is placed beneath the skin during surgery.
Later, the surgeon can change the stoma size by adding or subtracting
saline inside the inner balloon through the access port. This adjustment
process helps drive the rate of
weight loss. If the band is too loose and weight loss
inadequate, adding more saline can
reduce the size of the stoma to further restrict the
amount of food that can move through
it. If the band is too tight, the surgeon will remove some saline
to loosen the band and reduce the amount of restriction.
LAP-BAND System Placement
The
LAP-BAND System is usually placed
laparoscopically under general anesthesia. First the surgeon
makes a few small incisions (or “ports”) in the abdominal wall for the
insertion of long, thin surgical instruments. A narrow camera is also
passed through a port so the surgeon can view the operative site on a
nearby video monitor. A small tunnel is made behind the top of the
stomach to let the band through and allow it to be wrapped around the
upper part of the stomach, almost like a wristwatch. The band is then
locked securely in a ring around the stomach. The LAP-BAND is usually
left empty or only partially inflated for the first 4 to 6 weeks after
surgery.
LAP-BAND System Weight-Loss Results
The
LAP-BAND System is a tool to help you achieve sustained weight loss by
limiting how much you can eat, reducing your appetite, and slowing
digestion. Remember, though, that the LAP-BAND System by itself will not
solve morbid obesity, nor will it ensure that you reach your goal weight
or even that you lose weight at all. The amount of weight you lose
depends both on the band and on your motivation and commitment to a new
lifestyle and eating habits. Some people lose more than others, and
though you may never reach your ideal weight, chances are good that with
weight loss your health and self-image will improve.
LAP-BAND System Removal
If there is a problem with the band, if
you can’t lose enough weight or can’t adjust to the new eating habits,
your surgeon may suggest removal of the band. This decision will come
after your surgeon consults with you. Generally, after LAP-BAND System
removal your stomach will be restored to its original form, and the
digestive tract should function normally. Please keep in mind that when the band is removed,
your weight will likely increase.
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