About LAP-BAND Surgery Procedure
During LAP-BAND surgery, a small stomach pouch is created by wrapping a silastic (silicon and plastic) band around the upper part of the stomach. The procedure is typically performed laparoscopically. LAP-BAND differs from gastric bypass surgery, in that the upper part of the stomach remains connected to the lower, larger part of the stomach through a small outlet created by the band. Food is passed through the outlet slowly, limiting the amount a person can eat, reducing the appetite, and slowing digestion. Patients who undergo LAP-BAND surgery at our Dallas/Ft. Worth bariatric surgery center will be asked to adhere to a strict meal plan, as well as being required to chew food thoroughly and swallow slowly.
The first gastric band was patented in 1985 by Obtech Medical of Sweden (now owned by J&J/Ethicon) and is known as the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB). An American company, INAMED Health, later designed the BioEnterics LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System. The LAP-BAND System was introduced in Europe in 1993. Neither of these bands was initially designed for use with keyhole surgery. The LAP-BAND System received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in the United States in June 2001.
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LAP-BAND vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery
Because neither the intestine nor stomach is cut or stapled during the procedure, LAP-BAND surgery is less invasive than gastric bypass surgery. While gastric bypass surgery can be reversed, it is much more routine to completely reverse LAP-BAND, should the need arise. LAP-BAND is a good option for morbidly obese patients who are hesitant to receive gastric bypass surgery, because LAP-BAND surgery does not permanently alter a patient's anatomy. For patients who are under 20 or over 60, and others who are at high risk for complications following bariatric surgery, LAP-BAND may be the safer choice.
For more information about LAP-BAND surgery, contact our Dallas/Ft. Worth practice today.
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LAP-BAND Adjustment
A great advantage of LAP-BAND surgery is that your bariatric surgeon can adjust the size of the outlet created by the band. During your initial LAP-BAND surgery, the band is connected by tubing to a reservoir of saline placed beneath your skin. Later, at our Dallas/Ft. Worth practice, Dr. Barker can control the amount of saline in the band by piercing the reservoir through the skin with a fine needle. Similar to a blood pressure cuff, the inner surface of the band inflates or deflates, changing the size of the opening between the two parts of your stomach. Changing the size of the opening is a normal part of follow up care for patients who have undergone LAP-BAND surgery at our Texas bariatric surgery center.
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Benefits of LAP-BAND Surgery
LAP-BAND surgery produces rapid weight loss much like gastric bypass surgery. Most LAP-BAND surgery patients see immediate weight loss in the first few months, and steady weight loss for the next few years. This weight loss can bring about important improvements in health and overall quality of life.
LAP-BAND surgery patients experience the obvious health benefits associated with significant weight loss, including improvement in obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The overwhelming majority of patients also experience what can only be described as a dramatic improvement in self-image and self-esteem. Patients who undergo weight loss surgery not only look better, but are able to fully participate in everyday activities and enjoy a more active social life.
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Possible Risks and Complications
LAP-BAND surgery carries many of the same risks as the other weight loss surgery alternative available at our Dallas/Ft. Worth practice - gastric bypass. The risks of LAP-BAND surgery are significantly less severe than the complications associated with open gastric bypass however, due to the less invasive nature of the procedure. As a result, Dr. Barker often recommends LAP-BAND surgery to patients who run a higher risk of post-op complications.
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Possible LAP-BAND complications include:
LAP-BAND Erosion - Rarely, a band can erode into a patient's stomach. This requires an additional LAP-BAND surgery to remove the eroded band.
Other Band Complications - Occasionally, the band can lead to obstruction or perforation of the stomach. These complications may require revisional LAP-BAND surgery. Also, the pouch may stretch or the restricting band may break or migrate, allowing patients to eat too much.
Access Port Problems - Sometimes, the access port may be twisted or leaky and an additional procedure may be required to fix the problem.
Vomiting - Overeating is painful and can lead to vomiting. Sometimes, patients must be readmitted to the hospital for fluid replacement if excessive vomiting occurs following LAP-BAND surgery.
Food Restrictions - After LAP-BAND surgery, you may not be able to eat certain foods such as steak, white meat chicken, and doughy bread.
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For more information about LAP-BAND surgery, contact our Dallas/Ft. Worth bariatric surgery center today. Our staff will be happy to help you schedule a consultation with Dr. Barker.