Bariatric surgeons makes several tiny incisions and uses long, slender instruments to implant the device. This form of bariatric surgery avoids the large incision of open surgery, patients generally experience less pain and scarring. In addition, the hospital stay is shortened to less than 24 hours and can often be done as an out-patient lap band procedure. Patients can typically resume normal activities within one week, which is quicker than with other surgical alternatives.

How the LAP-BAND® System Works

The LAP-BAND® System is an adjustable silicone band that connects to an access port below the skin by thin, kink-resistant silicone tubing. The port allows the surgeon to adjust the size of the band for a customized weight-loss rate for each patient. By adding or removing saline to the inflatable balloon on the inner surface of the band, the amount and consumption rate of food can be controlled. Adjustments to the band, which are performed during simple outpatient visits, are determined by the patient’s weight loss. Overall weight loss is influenced by the amount and quality of food that is eaten as well as exercise and lifestyle choices that effect energy and balance. Because no permanent changes are made to the body’s physiology, the procedure can essentially be reversed. If necessary, all of the system components can be removed from the body with little damage to the digestive organs. The stomach will generally return to its original form and capacity once the lap-band is removed.

The effectiveness depends on the success of the process of Bariatric surgery and the ability of the patient to change his or her diet and eating behavior. Our surgeons are committed to provide long-term care for our patients, including dietary, behavior-modification, and counseling support. As part of our comprehensive support program, patients will maintain scheduled follow-up visits. In addition, patients are encouraged to eat a balanced diet, to avoid problematic eating patterns, and to increase physical activity and exercise. To date, more than 100,000 patients worldwide have undergone the LAP-BAND® System procedure. Since the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the system in June 2001, interest in, and use of, the Lap-Band System has grown rapidly in the U.S. In February 2002, a report released by the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Device Evaluation named the LAP-BAND® System one of the Significant Device Breakthroughs of the year..