Center for Bariatric Surgery

The LAP-BAND ® System

Benefits of the LAP-BAND ® System

Minimally Invasive

The LAP-BAND ® System is considered safer and less invasive than other bariatric procedures such as the gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. The band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach through small incisions with the aid of a camera. There is no stomach stapling, cutting, or intestinal re-routing.

Safe

The mortality rate (death rate) is 0.05%, approximately 1/10th the mortality rate of the gastric bypass.

Adjustable

The LAP-BAND ® System is adjustable. It allows you and your surgeon to find the right level of restriction and the right rate of weight loss for you. Whether it is 5 months or 5 years after surgery, your band can be adjusted.

Reversible

LAP-BAND ® System is reversible. Although uncommon, the band can be removed at any time. The stomach will generally be restored to normal and the digestive tract should function normally.

Expected Weight Loss

On average, patients lose 1-2 pounds per week with the LAP-BAND ® System equaling 52-10 pounds in the first year! Individual results may vary depending on your willingness to “work with the band,” which includes increasing physical activity and changing eating habits and behaviors. Learn more about getting ready to make lifestyle changes.

Unlike other weight loss surgical procedures, the LAP-BAND ® System is adjustable allowing individuals to slowly lose weight for several years after band placement. Gradual weight loss is most desirable. Losing weight too quickly creates a health risk and can lead to a number of problems including loss of lean body mass necessary for metabolism and optimal health. The main goal is to have weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves health problems associated with severe obesity.

When compared to other bariatric surgical procedures, such as the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass, at 5 years, excess body weight lost are similar.

O’Brien, P.E., McPhail, T., Chaston, T.B., & Dixon, J.B. Systematic review of medium-term weight loss after bariatric operations. Obesity Surgery. 2006; 16:1032-1040.

Same Day Surgery

At St. James, placement of the LAP-BAND ® System is completed on an outpatient basis. The majority of patients are home within a few hours of the procedure. However, should you not feel ready to go home, an overnight stay is available.

Laparoscopic placement of the LAP-BAND ® System offers a minimally invasive surgical approach completed under general anesthesia. On average, the band is placed in less than two hours.

Compared with other surgical weight loss procedures, individuals who receive a band have less surgical trauma, fewer complications, less pain and scarring, and a quicker recovery time. To further decrease potential complications you can start getting yourself healthy before surgery.

You may return to normal activities as soon as you feel able.

Similar to all surgical procedures, surgery for weight loss has potential risks. Learn more about risks of weight loss surgery.