Laparoscopic Banding

Nearly 130,000 bands have been placed worldwide, with most in Europe. Both European and American results are now similar, with a 50-60% average excess weight loss within 2 yrs.

An adjustable silicone band called the Realize Band™ or LAP-BAND® is placed Laparoscopically through five small incisions. The largest incision is 2-3cm and is located above the belly button to the right side. Small instruments are used as the surgeon performs the operation while watching a television screen. A small space is created on either side of the stomach close to its connection with the esophagus. The band is wrapped around the stomach and stitches are placed between the stomach above the band and the stomach below. A virtual pouch is created below the gastro-esophageal junction, that fits only 15cc of fluid. The tubing is brought out of the body and connected to a port. The port is stitched to the belly wall on top of the muscles. The skin is closed. The port may be accessed to adjust the inner-tubing of the LAP-BAND® to create an outlet that is smaller or larger.

Advantages:
Less invasive; less pain
No stapling, cutting, or intestinal rerouting
Adjustable
Reversible
Low complication rate
Lowest morbidity and mortality rate
Low malnutrition risk

Disadvantages: Slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass
Regular follow-up critical for optimal results
Nausea and vomiting, Gas and bloating
Depression and psychological distress

Complications: Death in 1 in 1400
Pulmonary embolism is rare
Band Erosion in 3%
Band slippage in 5%
Leakage from bowel Hemorrhage
Pneumonia
Wound Infection
Urinary Tract Infection
Minimal weight loss

If you would like to learn even more about adjustable silicone band, visit www.lapband.com or attend our free information seminar