Skip To Content

LAP-BAND® System

The LAP-BAND® System is the most commonly performed gastric banding procedure. LAP-BAND® is the brand name for the FDA approved adjustable gastric band used at West Georgia Health. Gastric banding is adjustable and is the least invasive weight loss procedure. This procedure does not require re-routing of the intestine or interfere with the normal digestive process. It does require the implantation of the gastric band device, a silicone band that is placed on the upper part of your stomach, creating a small, golf ball sized pouch. Your stomach will hold less food and the band slows down food motility through your stomach. Your appetite will decrease, you will feel fuller faster and you will eat less and still be satisfied.

Weight loss is gradual. The LAP-BAND® System can be adjusted in the office. You will have a shorter hospital stay and recovery time with this surgery compared to traditional gastric bypass surgery. Regular follow-up visits will be required. This procedure is reversible and should not cause permanent changes to your gastrointestinal tract. The risk of complications with the LAP-BAND® System is significantly less than with gastric bypass surgery.

Who are candidates for the LAP-BAND® System?Top

Gastric banding is ideal for individuals who desire reversibility. Individuals with conditions such as gastric inflammatory diseases, heart or lung disease and anatomical abnormalities of the gastrointestinal components (esophagus, stomach, intestines) may not qualify for gastric band surgery. West Georgia Health will work to ensure that you are properly qualified for surgery.

To be a candidate for weight-loss surgery, you must:

  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater
  • If your BMI is between 35 and 40, you must have at least one significant associated illness such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis or sleep apnea
  • Have a personal ongoing commitment to improve your health and lifestyle

The SurgeryTop

The gastric band procedure only takes about an hour to complete under general anesthesia. Since this surgery is laparoscopic, the surgeon will make small incisions in your abdomen instead of one big incision, and insert the special video camera, the surgical instruments and the LAP-BAND® System.

The LAP-BAND® System is positioned around your stomach, locked and secured in place by sutures. A port is then attached to your abdominal wall. This is where the doctor will inject saline into the LAP-BAND® System device to adjust the restriction on your stomach to suit your specific weight loss needs. Saline is not usually injected until about 6 weeks after surgery to let your body heal and get use to the device.

This video requires the use of flash and javascript to play.

Advantages of choosing the LAP-BAND® System:

  • Minimally invasive: No stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal rerouting
  • Lowest complication and mortality rates
  • Adjustable 
  • Reversible
  • Low malnutrition risk
  • No “dumping syndrome”
  • Gradual, healthy weight loss
  • Prolonged sense of fullness after meals

Risks associated with the LAP-BAND® System and surgery:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Band slippage
  • Dilation of the esophagus
  • Erosion of the band into the stomach
  • Deflation of the band due to leakage of saline
  • Enlargement of the stomach pouch
  • Obstruction of the stomach
  • Reoperation (possibly requiring open surgery) approximately 15% of Lap Bands are eventually removed
  • Anesthesia complications
  • Death
  • DVT
  • P.E.
  • Insufficient weight-loss (weight-loss is sufficiently less than with the other two surgeries)

Pre-surgeryTop

Prior to your surgery, our clinical dieticians will educate you on proper nutrition and assist you with your pre-operative diet. Your pre-operative diet begins 7 days prior to your surgery and consists of:

  • Low carbohydrate diet: SlimFast or Carnation Instant Breakfast (Sugar Free)
  • Goal: To shrink the liver by 30-40% to improve access to area
  • If you cheat on this diet: Surgery may have to be aborted (you will know before the surgery - obvious to us when we start the surgery!)

Post-surgeryTop

You have made the commitment to have bariatric surgery. Your digestive system has just undergone a major change and will take several weeks to adjust. You can expect to spend one night in the hospital after surgery where you will be monitored eating a liquid diet. Because of the much smaller size of your stomach, even the liquid portions will be small.

Upon your return home, you may feel sore and tired. You will be given prescription pain medication and should get plenty of rest. Walking is encouraged early and frequently to prevent blood clots. Any other exercise or heavy lifting is only permitted when you get the “okay” from your surgeon. Typically, a liquid diet of clear broths, skim milk, sugar-free popsicles, fruit juices and protein shakes are recommended for the first two weeks while your stomach is healing. Then you can be slowly reintroduced to solid foods. You should drink a lot of water; however, not with your meals as this can induce nausea and vomiting. West Georgia Health will provide you with a post-surgery nutrition plan, complete with a vitamin and mineral regimen that should be followed as long as you have the LAP-BAND® System. Our registered dietitians will explain this in great detail before your surgery.

Adjustments to your LAP-BAND® System will be required after your surgery. 

  • The first adjustment is usually 6 weeks after surgery
  • Generally there are 3-8 adjustments in the first year
  • Adjustments are less frequent after the first year
  • You can expect to have a minimum of 1 visit per year
  • Success is dependent on a continuing program of follow-up visits and LAP-BAND® System adjustments

Remember that you spent a lifetime putting on the weight; it takes time to take it off. Our team is here to assist you along the way, providing encouragement and answering your questions.