Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding is the second most common surgical treatment for obesity in the United States. Lap Band surgery facilitates weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, thereby restricting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The degree of restriction is adjustable, which controls rate and volume of eating.

Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new tiny stomach pouch. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. Since there is no cutting, stapling, or stomach re-routing involved in these procedures, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries.  The hospital stay is usually less than 24 hours and sometimes the banding can be done as an out-patient procedure. Patients typically resume normal activities within one week.

It should be recognized that this, like other bariatric procedures, should be considered permanent. Banding procedures are associated with the least restriction when it comes to diet selection and are also less effective with respect to appetite suppression. Therefore, people who choose this intervention must be willing to discipline themselves in their dietary selection in order to achieve the desired results.

How Lap Band Surgery Works

An adjustable silicone band connects to an access port by a thin, kink-resistant silicone tubing. The port, which is paced below the skin of the abdominal wall, allows the surgeon to adjust the size of the band for a customized weight-loss rate for each patient. By adding or removing saline to the inflatable balloon, the amount and consumption rate of food can be controlled. Adjustments to the band, which are performed during simple outpatient visits, are determined by the patient’s weight loss. Overall weight loss is influenced by the amount and quality of food that is eaten, as well as exercise and lifestyle choices that effect energy balance.

Register to attend a free weight loss seminar to determine if lap band surgery is right for you.