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Bariatric surgery is a treatment for morbid obesity. Morbid obesity is defined as a BMI (body mass index) > 40, or a BMI > 35 in an individual with preexisting medical conditions (MEASURE YOUR BMI HERE). Morbid obesity means that your excess weight is putting your life at risk. Surgical treatment has been proven to be the only effective long term weight loss solution. Bariatric procedures provide you with a "tool" to help you with your weight loss journey. The actual weight a patient will lose is dependent on the patient's age, weight before surgery, overall health, ability to exercise, and adherence to dietary guidelines. Behavioral, physical and psychological changes are required for you to maintain a healthier you. Continual positive weight loss relies upon your desire and dedication to change your lifestyle with a proactive approach.
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The LAP-BAND® System |
During the procedure, surgeons use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments rather than a large incision), 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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| Once placed around the stomach, the LAP-BAND® System is connected by a tube to an access port fixed beneateh the skin of your abdomen. This port will be used in the future to adjust your LAP-BAND® System by adding or removing saline from the inner surface. |
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Least Traumatic Procedure
Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach rerouting 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.
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We will implant the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System around the upper part of your stomach. |
Like a belt, the LAP-BAND® System is fastened around your upper stomach to create a new stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you can eat. |
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Adjustable Treatment |
The LAP-BAND® System is one of very few adjustable weight loss surgeries available in the
United States. The diameter of the band is adjustable to meet your individual needs, which 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. |
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We can periodically adjust the LAP-BAND® to best meet your personal needs. |
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To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to a reservoir, which is placed well under the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the reservoir with a fine needle through the skin. On average, patients will have 7 adjustments of their band in the first year after surgery. Patients with "needle-phobia" may not be candidates for the LAP-BAND®.
Get personalized guidance for your weight loss journey with My LAP-BAND® Journey at: www.lapband.com. |
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*Pregnancy is not recommended for a minimum of 2 years after any weight loss surgery. |
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Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y - Gastric Bypass |
A Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, different from the LAP-BAND® system, combines restriction (by reducing the size of the stomach) with malabsorption (incomplete digestion). This procedure, about an hour longer than the LAP-BAND® placement does involve stapling, dividing and re-routing of the digestive tract. In turn, this procedure affords patients a more rapid form of weight loss and is highly effective in quickly resolving diabetes for most patients (often even before a significant weight loss due to the "bypass" portion of the procedure).
Up until recently (as the LAP-BAND® has gained popularity and acceptance) this procedure was considered the "gold standard" in the U.S. Patient's will frequently choose a Roux-en-Y if they feel rapid weight loss is necessary to resolve their other medical conditions.
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| In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is divided from the stomach
pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating the "Y" shape that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption. |
