Gastric Banding, also known as lap band surgery, is a surgical procedure where an adjustable ring is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. The band works in two ways; it provides pressure on the upper stomach creating a sensation of fullness, and then by filling the band with liquid it reduces the opening from the upper portion of the stomach to the lower portion, which limits how much food a person can eat at one meal. It is the safest of the surgical procedures. The stomach and intestines are not cut, divided, or bypassed. Most people can go home the same day and return to normal activities when they feel comfortable.
The weight loss with lap band surgery is usually slower in comparison to the other surgical procedures. We expect to see about one pound of weight loss per week on average in the first year, which means approximately 50 pounds for most patients. Patients can continue to lose weight for three years or more if they continue to work with the band. Most successful patients eat meat, fruits, and vegetables and drink liquids with zero calories. Foods like dense meats, bread, rice or pasta may be difficult or impossible to eat. Patients must come back to the office for adjustments or filling of the band in order to maximize the success of the band. It may take one to ten adjustments to get the correct amount of fluid in the band. Don't let this discourage you; all of the surgeries have at least four post-operative appointments in the first year.
We use both the Lap Band® and the Realize Band™. They are very similar and seem to have the same results as well as complications. Both offer web-based support systems that patients really enjoy.
The benefits of the lap band surgery include: it is performed laparoscopically, no cutting of the stomach or intestines, minimal pain, safe, minimal time off work, no malabsorption of nutrients, and it can be removed if needed.
The complications or risks of the procedure include: bleeding, pain, infection of the band, port or tubing, possible slipping of the band, possible erosion of the band into the stomach or other organs, injury to any organ at the time of surgery, inadequate weight loss, or weight gain. A more complete list of complications is discussed on the consent form.
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