LAP-BAND® System Overview

Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the BioEnterics® 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 100,000 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.

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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

The LAP-BAND System is also the only adjustable weight loss surgery. 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