About the Lap Band

So what the heck is this lap band? Basically, it is the most minimally invasive weight loss surgery available. It is completely reversable and adjusts to meet the patient's need throughout their weight loss journey. Research has shown that the lap band, when combined with good follow-up and patient compliance (choosing good food, exercising regularly), has the same long-term outcome as the current weight loss surgery "gold-standard", the RNY.

How does it work?

This picture shows how the lap band sits on the stomach. It creates an hourglass shape out of the existing stomach (no stapling or removal of stomach tissue occurs). As food is eaten, it fills the pouch, creating a sense of fullness. The food gradually empties from the pouch into the lower stomach, helping to maintain a sense of satisfaction for a longer period of time.

Since the band is not "attached" to the outside of the stomach (like the current vertical banded gastroplasty), the stomach can shrink away from the band as weight is lost. When that happens, saline can be inserted to inflate the band, using the port. The port is placed on the abdominal muscles, under the skin, and can be accessed with a needle. The port allows for excellent control of adjustments without reoperation. A lap band adjustment is an outpatient procedure, usually taking less than 1/2 hour.

There is an excellent series of videos featuring a woman who had this surgery here.

Is it safe?

All surgery carries some risk, but while the overall mortality rate for all weight loss surgery is reported to be approximately 1 in 200, the lap band surgery is closer to 1 in 10,000. It is the safest weight loss surgery currently available.

Is it effective?

The band is an effective weight loss tool, but because it has no malabsorptive component it requires more compliance from the patient. The patient must make good food choices and commit to regular exercise in order to maximize weight loss. Layla's site has an excellent list of the "7 golden rules of AGB"