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What is Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap Band surgery)?
The lap band procedure is a purely restrictive surgical procedure where a band is placed around the uppermost
portion of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into two portions: one small and one larger
portion. When the stomach is divided into smaller parts, most patients tend to feel full faster. When
weight loss occurs, and the rate at which the loss happens is not acceptable, the band may be adjusted. Food
digestion happens through normal digestion.
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What are some of the advantages of Lap Band surgery?
- 47.9% of type 2 diabetes cases are resolved post operation.
- There are significant improvements in cholesterol, including a boost in HDL levels.
- 70.8% of hypertension cases are improved.
- Patients tend to lose roughly 47% of their excess weight.
- Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be absorbed fully by the body.
- Band can be adjusted to increase or decrease restriction via an access port.
- This is a procedure that can be reversed.
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What are some risks and disadvantages of Lap Band surgery?
- The port may leak or twist, requiring an operation to correct the problem.
- The lack of fullness after eating is a feeling some may not be satisfied with.
- Dumping syndrome, used as a warning mechanism, does not occur.
- Band may erode into the stomach wall.
- Band may move or slip.
- Weight loss is slower than that following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
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Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
