Lap-Band Weight Loss Surgery

Approved by the FDA in June 2001, LAP-BAND® System is the safest, least invasive and only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. Since its clinical introduction in 1993, almost 1.5 million LAP-BAND® procedures have been performed around the world and over 230,000 in the U.S. alone.

Minimally Invasive Approach
During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient’s abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that helps to suppress appetite. It doesn’t work when you eat, it works two hours later, so you don’t get hungry eating a small amount of food. As a result, patients find they can be satisfied with smaller amounts of food, because later they won’t be hungry. In turn, this results in weight loss.

Safest and Least Traumatic Procedure
Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the LAP-BAND® System procedure, it is considered the safest and least traumatic compared to other weight-loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the LAP-BAND® System needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.

Adjustable Treatment
The LAP-BAND® System is also the only adjustable weight-loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren’t experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.

To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to an access port, which is placed well below the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin.

Advantages of the Adjustable Band
The LAP-BAND is safer than any other weight loss operation. The LAP-BAND can adjust to your needs. The LAP-BAND has the least interruptions in your life. With the LAP-BAND it isn’t another diet, it is a tool to transform.

• Safest Weight Loss Surgery
• Less Invasive
• No cutting, stapling, or rearranging of the intestines
• Avoids serious osteoporosis from calcium deficiency
• No “dumping syndrome”
• No “stretched out” pouch causing weight regain
• Avoids unhealthy muscle wasting from protein deficiency
• Less expensive if you have to pay for the operation
• The LAP-BAND can be opened to allow extra nutrition in cases of illness, pregnancy, or medical conditions
• Reversible – often with just an office visit.

LAP-BAND patients continue to lose weight even after three years.
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