Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Commonly referred to as LAP-BAND®, during this procedure a silicone band is placed around the stomach to restrict food intake. The band is adjustable to aid in weight loss and does not surgically alter the stomach.

The idea behind the operation is to create a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach with a controlled and adjustable stoma, without stapling, thus limiting food intake.

A gastric band device is introduced through tiny (1cm) incisions in the abdomen and is placed around the upper part of the stomach. The resulting pouch (or the “new stomach”) dramatically reduces the functional capacity of the stomach. The band has a balloon from the inside that is adjustable and can reduce stoma size, thus prolonging the period of fullness.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and can last between 30 minutes and one hour. The band is fitted around the uppermost part of the stomach, forming a 15cc small pouch. It is designed so that it can be inflated or deflated at any time after the operation. This helps the patient continually lose weight until they reach their goals. The restriction takes place in the radiology suite and normally takes 15 minutes. This simple procedure is painless they inject saline into a port placed under the skin in the wall of the stomach. The tube that comes off of the band leads to the port.