The -Lap- Band- Surgery

What is The LAP-BAND System? Will the Lap Band System help you? The Lap Band System is a silicone elastomer ring designed to be placed around the upper part of the stomach and filled with saline on the inner surface. This creates a new small stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below the band so the food storage area in the stomach is reduced, and the pouch above the band can hold only a small amount of food.

The band also controls the stoma (stomach outlet) between the two parts of the stomach. The size of the stoma regulates the flow of the food from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. When the stoma is smaller, you feel full sooner and have a feeling of satiety so you are not hungry between meals.

Consequences of obesity

1. Heart Disease and Stroke

2. Diabetes

3. Cancers

4. Arthritis

5. Gout

6. Sleep Apnea

7. Gall Bladder Disease

How is Lapband Surgery performed?

The Lap-Band is placed with the assistance of a laparoscope, using general anesthesia. To begin with, a few small incisions (access ports) are made in the abdominal wall. A narrow camera is then inserted through one of these ports to enable the surgeon to view the site of the operation on a video monitor.

A small tunnel is created near the top of the stomach through which to insert the band, which is then wrapped around the upper part of the stomach about 20 mm below the gastro-esophageal junction. The silicone elastomer band contains an inner balloon and is connected by a tube to a subcutaneous access port in the abdominal wall during surgery. Saline solution is introduced via the tubing to the inner balloon, in order to inflate the band, compressing the stomach into an hourglass shape, although it is not fully inflated until 4-6 weeks after the operation.

The diameter of the channel or passageway (stoma) between the upper and lower stomach pouches can be reduced or enlarged by adding or removing saline solution. These adjustments determine the rate of weight loss. If the gastric band is not tight enough, the upper stomach will empty too fast, reducing satiety and inducing higher calorie intake. If the band is too tight, it can cause regurgitation and gastroesophageal reflux, even vomiting.

How to qualify for Lap Band Surgery

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40+, or a BMI of 35+ with severe comorbid conditions is essential. At present, lap-band surgery is not recommended for patients with end stage obesity (BMI 60+). In general, qualification for a Lap-Band operation is similar to that for any laparoscopic obesity surgery.

Please see a doctor for a consultation and to determine if you qualify.

When making a decision of this magnitude it is always great to have a support group. Talk to family members and friends and get their feedback also choose a surgeon that makes you feel comfortable and instills confidence and trust. I wish you the best of luck with your decision and your weight loss.