by Vea Terrie

Created on: November 16, 2009

Since the first laparoscopic adjustable bands for weight loss were used on patients in Europe and Australia in 1993, lap-band surgery has grown in scope and popularity. Lap-band surgery was initially used only to treat morbidly obese patients, however, it is currently made available to patients with smaller amounts of weight to lose in order to treat or prevent the health risks associated with obesity.

How it Works

With the lap band in place, the amount of food you eat is reduced and the metabolic process of digestion is slowed. Consuming smaller amounts of food and the slowing down of digestion as food takes longer to pass through the narrow opening created by the band gives you an extended feeling of fullness.

The Procedure

If you have tried diets, exercise, and behavior modification, and are still unable to lose weight and keep it off, discus the lap-band procedure with your doctor and ask for a recommendation to a surgeon who performs laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The surgeon will ascertain if you are a candidate for this procedure with medical screening including blood tests, urinalysis, image studies including chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, ultrasound, GI evaluation (gastrointestinal evaluation), a gastroscopy to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and additional testing, if required by your doctor.

If it is determined that you are a good candidate for the surgery, the procedure will be performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour. The lap-band procedure establishes a small pouch in the upper portion of the stomach controlled by an adjustable band at the base of the pouch. The band is made of silicone and titanium. During the procedure, small hollow tubes will be inserted through a 1-centimeter incision in your abdomen. The instruments used for this procedure, including cameras designed to enable your doctor to see the surgical area, are inserted through the tubes. The lap-band will be placed around the upper portion of your stomach and locked securely in place. This will create a small pouch that will serve as your stomach. Your hospital stay for this procedure will be approximately 48 hours.

Lap-band adjustments are made via a tube extending from the band to an access port fastened inside your abdominal wall. All adjustments are made as determined by your doctor to control the amount of comfort and weight loss. A saline filled balloon located inside the band is inflated or deflated by inserting

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>