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Lap Band surgery
LAP-BAND Surgery
LAP-BAND System Overview ::
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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 of 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.
Coming soon is an interactive presentation on Lap band
procedure.
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
As apposed to other types of weight loss surgery the lapband
system is adjustable and can
be easily adjusted after surgery to meet patients requirements. 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 100,000
cases performed worldwide
- Standard of care for
hundreds of practices around the world
- Academic publications
with up to 7 years of follow-up
Coming soon is an interactive presentation on
Lap Band surgery.
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