Regular
follow-up critical for optimal results
Requires an
implanted medical device
In some cases,
effectiveness can be reduced due to band slippage
In some cases,
the access port may leak and require minor
revision
surgery
LAP BAND System Overview
The body gets
energy from food while it
passes through the alimentary canal, which consists of
the mouth, esophagus,
The LAP BAND System
is a silicone 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 between the two
parts of the stomach.
The band is
connected by tubing to an
access port that is placed beneath the skin during
surgery. Later, the surgeon can change the stoma size by adding
or subtracting saline inside the inner balloon through the
access port. This adjustment
process helps drive the
rate of weight loss. If the band is too loose and weight
loss inadequate, adding
more saline can reduce the size of the stoma to further
restrict the amount of food
that can move through it.
LAP BAND
System Weight-Loss Results
The LAP BAND System
is a tool to help you achieve sustained weight loss by limiting
how much you can eat, reducing your appetite, and slowing
digestion. Remember, though, that the LAP BAND System by itself
will not solve morbid obesity, nor will it ensure that you reach
your goal weight or even that you lose weight at all. The amount
of weight you lose depends both on the band and on your
motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle and eating habits.
Some people lose more than others, and though you may never
reach your ideal weight, chances are good that with weight loss
your health and self-image will improve.
