Before Considering Surgery
Background:
The Lap-Band® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the first adjustable gastric band approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in weight reduction. To date, more than 300,000 patients worldwide have undergone weight loss surgery using this simple device.
The Lap-Band® System is considered safer and less invasive than gastric bypass surgery, since it does not require cutting or stapling of the stomach or re-routing the intestines. In addition, the adjustable gastric band procedure is completely reversible.
The FDA approved the Lap-Band® System in June 2001 to promote weight loss for severely obese individuals whose Body Mass Index (BMI) was 40 or more, or for patients with a BMI of at least 35 who suffered from at least one serious obesity-related health condition (called a co-morbidity) , such as high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, and asthma.
The name “LAP-BAND” comes from the laparoscopic surgical technique used for the procedure, and the name of the implanted medical device, which is a gastric band. The Lap-Band® System includes a silicone ring that is placed around the top portion of the stomach which then creates a small gastric pouch and stoma. A thin balloon runs along the inner surface of the band, which can be inflated with sterile saline to tighten the band and create the proper diameter for the stoma and the correct pouch size. By reducing the amount of food the stomach can comfortably hold, the Lap-Band® System may help severely obese adults achieve long-term weight loss by creating an earlier feeling of satiety — or fullness. As a result, they generally reduce how much food they consume and begin to rapidly lose weight.
Because the Lap-Band® is adjustable, a surgeon can tighten or loosen the inflatable gastric band as needed to help the patient achieve a level of satiety while maintaining a healthy diet. Other advantages of the Lap-Band® System include:
• Less invasive bariatric surgical option
• Fewer Risks and Side Effects
• Adjustable
• Reversible
• Effective Long-Term Weight Loss