Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, or "lap band" is a restrictive procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a much smaller stomach pouch. The band also slows the passage of food from the stomach into the intestine. This allows you to feel full for a much longer time after eating.
Candidates for adjustable gastric banding have a body mass indes (BMI) over 40 or a BMI between 35 and 39 with obesity-related illnesses such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
How It Works
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Inflating the balloon inside the band with the saline solution further restricts the opening through which food passes. This reduces the amount you can eat and slows the passage of food. You feel full longer after eating.
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Deflating the balloon inside the band by removing some of the saline solution increases the opening through which food passes. This can be helpful if you develop certain problems, like regurgitation of food.
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Advantages
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You eat less
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Prolonged sense of fullness after small meals
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Less invasive procedure
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Shorter operating time
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Can be an outpatient procedure
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Adjustable
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Reversible
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Helps improve obesity-related conditions
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Less risk of nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition
Disadvantages
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Slower weight loss over a longer period of time
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Requires implant
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Requires frequent follow-ups and adjustments
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Requires strict diet change
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Pouch can stretch from overeating
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Of course, weight loss and improved health don't happen with the lap band surgery alone. The patient must do his or her part to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes watching food portionss, exercising, eliminating smoking and anything else that has been discussed with the surgical team.
At the MyNewSelf bariatrics clinic in St. Louis, MO, our experienced, multi-disciplinary weight loss team will answer all your questions about adjustable gastric banding and other bariatric procedures performed at our facility. We also encourage you to browse through our
FAQs for more information.
When you're ready to take the first step, call the MyNewSelf program at Des Peres Hospital at 314-966-9640.
