Lap Band Surgery

Lap band surgery is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which an adjustable silicone band, is placed around the upper stomach to create a small pouch with a narrowed outlet. The gastric band restricts the top of the stomach so that it becomes full on a smaller amount of food, and empties more slowly thereby relieving hunger. Developed by a noted New Jersey physician, the procedure has been performed for over ten years and is widely utilized throughout United States and the world since 2001.

Minimally Invasive Approach
During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques 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. Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the 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.

Adjustable Treatment
The diameter of the band is adjustable. 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. 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.

Advantages