Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band)

Lap Band Surgery for weight loss treatment is a restrictive bariatric procedure that limits gastric capacity and brings about weight loss through reduced food intake.

All patients who undergo bariatric surgery must be aware and understand in full the pre and post surgery requirements.

Benefits
Bariatric surgery, a form of laparoscopic weight loss banding, is suited for patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2+ or those with a BMI of 35+ and who suffer from obese related morbidity. The recommended age range is between 14 and 65. Nevertheless, there can be exceptions to this rule.

Advantages of adjustable gastric banding:

• Limited alteration to gastric anatomy
• Reversible
• Technically fast option

Some of disadvantages are:

• Requires adjustment for proper functioning.
• Maximum weight loss limited to 70% of excess weight

Potential complications:

• Slipping
• Gastric perforation
• Gastric erosion
• Vomiting
• Unable to produce restriction
• Impossible placement

Procedure
Weight loss surgery (laparoscopic adjustable gastric band) is a procedure to place a device with an adjustable band and valve around the stomach. The band limits the amount of food intake and makes the person feel satisfied sooner. Each time the patient eats more than allowed some discomfort is experienced.

Clínica Bíblica Hospital utilizes a Swedish gastric band (Obtech by Johnson & Johnson), which is the original device created for this technique.

Hospitalization
An overnight stay is typically required.

Time
Laparoscopic adjustable banding takes from 45 minutes to 2 hours.