Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
Commonly referred to as ‘Gastric Banding,’ this procedure utilizes a device such as the REALIZE Band™ or LAP-BAND® System. The Adjustable Gastric Band is wrapped around the upper part of your stomach. Inflating the band restricts the passage of food into and through the stomach, and reduces the amount a person needs to eat in order to feel full.
The band is adjusted after surgery. Attached to the band is a thin tube leading to an access port that is left under the skin. The access port is used by the doctor to add or take away saline. Adding saline tightens the band and makes the stomach smaller. The doctor can take away saline if the ring is too tight.
Weight loss occurs because people get full much faster, therefore less food is ingested; and hopefully food remains in the pouch longer, making you less hungry between meals.
The 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 50% of excess weight at 2-3 years.
Gastric Banding has been performed since 1993. According to the manufacturer of the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band, they have been placed in over 300,000 patients worldwide. The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band was first introduced in the United States during clinical trials and then approved for wide distribution by the FDA in 2001. The REALIZE Band was approved by the FDA in 2008. To date, results from each of the bands is equivalent.
Benefits
- Can be implanted laparoscopically
- The intestines are not re-routed
- It is adjustable and reversible
- Weight loss is gradual
- Serious complications and mortality are lower than other operations
- Nutritional deficiencies are less likely because absorption is not altered.
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
- Reoperation rates are higher than other bariatric operations
- Weight loss is more variable
- The number of people who are dissatisfied with their weight loss is higher than stapling procedures
Please attend one of our Educational Seminars held at NWH, Mt. Kisco to learn more about this and other surgery options.
For questions about our Surgical Weight Loss Program, or
to register to attend a free seminar:
Surgical Weight Loss Program - 877.677.1077