LAP-BAND

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Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding


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Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a weight loss operation that has been performed since 1993. The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band was introduced in the United States during clinical trials that were under FDA review. Lenox Hill Hospital was one of the clinical trial sites. The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band was approved for wide distribution by the FDA in 2001. According to the manufacturer of the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band, they have been placed in over 300,000 patients worldwide .


The LAP-BAND® System is used at our Manhattan bariatric surgery practice in New York City. It has a silicone balloon which can be inflated by injecting sterile saline into a subcutaneous port. Inflating the band restricts the passage of food into and through the stomach and reduces the amount that a person needs to eat in order to feel full. Weight loss occurs because people get full much faster, therefore less food is ingested. The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is inflated in an outpatient setting in established increments over a period of time to provide continued weight loss. Weight loss results average 60-68% of excess weight at 2-3 years.


 


 

 



Benefits

    • Can be placed laparoscopically.
    • The intestines are not re-routed.
    • It is adjustable and reversible.
    • Weight loss is gradual which can decrease formation of gallstones.
    • Nutritional deficiencies are less likely because malabsorption does not occur.
Risks

    • Injury to the stomach at the time of surgery can occur.
    • The band can become infected which would require re-operation for removal.
    • The band can “slip” which would require further surgery to correct .
    • There is a 3-10% major complication rate which may require further surgery.

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