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FAQs About the LAP-Band® Adjustable Gastric Banding Weight Loss Procedure
How does the LAP-Band® System work?
The LAP-Band® System reduces your stomach's capacity, restricting the amount of food you are able to eat at one time. Because you feel full faster and stay full longer, you eat less. The procedure uses laparoscopic surgery, sometimes called "Band-Aid" surgery for its tiny incisions. In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon uses long, thin instruments inserted through a few tiny incisions to implant the LAP-Band® System around the upper part of your stomach, much like a belt. A tube is then connected from the LAP-Band® System to a small access port fixed beneath the skin of your abdomen. After the first four to six weeks, the LAP-Band® System is adjusted by adding or removing saline (salt) solution through the access port. This is done as needed - more frequently in the first year - to maintain optimal weight loss. The goal is to keep your adjustment level, and diet and activity levels balanced and stable.
What are the benefits of the LAP-Band® System vs. other types of weight loss surgery?
The biggest difference you'll find is that unlike gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, the LAP-Band® System doesn't involve any cutting or stapling of the stomach or rerouting of the intestines. Since the LAP-Band® procedure uses laparoscopic surgery, it can help you achieve steady, healthy and safer weight loss, with a shorter recovery time than other stapling procedures, and comparable weight loss over time. Using periodic adjustments as you lose weight, the LAP-Band® System allows for gradual, steady, long-term weight loss.
Is it safe?
Research has shown that the LAP-Band® System is up to 10 times safer than more extensive weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.
What kinds of foods can I eat?
With the LAP-Band® System, you can enjoy meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains-provided you keep portions small and chew thoroughly. In the first few weeks after your LAP-Band® System surgery, your diet will gradually progress from liquids to soft foods, and finally to solid food. At that point, you can enjoy most foods provided you keep portions small and chew thoroughly. Breads, fibrous and stringy fruits and vegetables may not be tolerated. Because you can only eat small portions, it's important to choose foods full of vitamins and nutrients.
Is the LAP-Band® system permanent or can it be removed?
The LAP-Band® is intended to be a long-term implant. However, if it needs to be removed, generally it can be removed using a laparoscopic procedure. Surgeons report that the stomach generally returns to its original shape once the LAP-Band® System is removed. After the removal, though, you may return to your original weight, or even gain more.
For more information, attend a free Bariatric Surgery seminar at 5 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in the Yuma Regional Medical Plaza Conference Room, 1501 W. 24th St.
We look forward to answering your questions. Please contact us at 928-336-LITE (5483) or email yumalite@yumaregional.org.
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