Lap Band / Adjustable Gastric Banding
Lap Band Facts
Operation Time: 45 minutes
Incisions: 5 small punctures (99% laparoscopic)
Hospital Stay: 99% discharged home on the same day
Expected Weight Loss: 40% Excess Body Weight Loss at 1 year, 55% EBWL at 2-3 years
Gastric banding is often referred to by its trade name Lap-Band®. Gastric banding can be an effective tool in a morbidly obese patient’s journey to lose weight and keep the weight off long-term.
The gastric banding system consists of three components. The first is the band itself, made of a biocompatible material, which fits around the top portion of the stomach. It has fluid filled chambers that can be adjusted after surgery to increase or reduce the degree of restriction and weight loss. Dr. Jeff Henke will tighten the band, squeezing the stomach into two interconnected chambers. The smaller upper chamber will be the primary receptacle for the food that is consumed after surgery, and by creating restriction in the stomach, patients will eat less to feel full. The average patient will not be able to eat as much as they once could and will therefore lose weight.
The band is connected to soft thin tubing that acts as the vessel for the saline adjustment fluid. The tube is then connected to the third component of the system – the injection port. During surgery, the injection port will be attached to the inside of the abdominal wall and will allow the surgeon, with a specially made needle, to access the band. This injection port will sit right under the skin, meaning that adjustments are a quick and relatively painless process.
Lap-Band placements have become less popular in the past few years. This is because gastric bands have been found to have complications and, for many, inadequate long term weight loss. Lap-band removal has become increasingly popular. Many gastric band patients will go on to have their band removed to resolve issues or because of inadequate weight loss. With band removal, it is very common to convert the procedure to a sleeve or bypass through revision surgery. This is often done in the same surgery as the lap-band removal.
Lap Band Reality
Low Risks
- 1% slip
- 1% erosion
- 4% esophageal problem (if band too tight)
- 8% failure (can’t tolerate and want it removed)
- 0.1% mortality (rare heart attack, lung clot, etc)
Lap Band Perfect Patient
- KNOWS HOW TO DIET: To be successful, it is important to eat food that works best with the restriction that the band creates. Liquids will go right through as will sweets and snacks. You must be willing to choose the right food (meats, sandwiches, fibrous foods, etc).
- COME IN FOR BAND FILLS: You will know when the band needs to be tightened. If you can swallow a bite of meat or sandwich and it goes down easily without the need for careful chewing, then the band needs to be tighter.
- MEDICAL ISSUES—DIABETES (ON INSULIN). If you are on insulin, then the band might NOT be the right operation for you. These patients are typically more assuredly cured of diabetes with a Gastric Bypass.
- MEDICAL ISSUES—SEVERE REFLUX (HEARTBURN). If you have nightly heartburn and have developed complications from chronic acid reflux, then you might have ulcers or narrowing or dysfunction of the esophagus. These patients do NOT make good Lap Band candidates since the condition can be more thoroughly cured with a Gastric Bypass.
If you’re ready to get started on your weight loss surgery journey, whether for the first time or you are looking to reboot your weight loss, we invite you to take the first step and watch our online seminar. It is the best way to learn your options and feel empowered to make the choice that is right for you.