Adjustable Gastric Band

During the LAP-BAND® procedure, the LAP-BAND® is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach, dividing it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The upper pouch can hold only about 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of food. As a result, you eat less food at one time, feel full sooner, and feel satisfied longer. The goal is to lose weight gradually, at a healthy rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week. No part of your stomach is stapled or removed during surgery, and your intestines are not rerouted, so you can continue to absorb nutrients from food. The LAP-BAND® is made of biocompatible materials, so it can be placed inside your body without causing harm. The side of the band that fits against your stomach is lined with a soft balloon. After the LAP-BAND® surgery, saline (a safe liquid) is delivered into the balloon to control the band tightness.

The degree of band tightness affects how much food you can eat during a meal and the length of time it takes for food to empty from the upper pouch. When the band is adjusted to the proper tightness, you’ll feel full sooner and stay fuller longer. As the band helps you eat less food, your body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat supply for energy.

After you complete your initial surgical consultation with one of the physicians at the Center, and you remain a potential candidate for surgery, you’ll be asked to undergo a series of diagnostic tests and consultations to make sure that you will do well with the surgery. The nurse will go over with you in detail the tests and consultations you will need to undergo prior to surgery and you can arrange with your primary care provider to have the tests done.

After your banding procedure, you won’t able to eat as much food as you can now and you may lose a significant amount of weight—improving your overall health and quality of life and increasing your life expectancy. Other conditions related to obesity may be alleviated, as well, such as diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea. You’ll feel a new sense of pride in your appearance and a motivation to stay on an exercise regimen and general wellness program.

The LAP-BAND® is implanted using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery while you’re under anesthesia. Laparoscopic surgery is performed using small incisions—and usually means a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open surgical procedures.

After the surgery, your body will need to adjust to the newly implanted LAP-BAND®. Although most patients have a very smooth recovery, yours may not be the same as other patients. For example, you may experience regurgitation, nausea, acid reflux, constipation, or diarrhea. While these are generally normal, be sure to inform your doctor if any of these occur.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that can occur with LAP-BAND®. Although these problems rarely occur, we want you to be aware of them. The Khalili Center team is committed to providing you with the information you need to make a well-informed decision about whether this option—or another procedure—is right for you.