About the LAP-BAND® System

Approved by the FDA in June 2001 and Health Canada in 1999, the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is a minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible surgical treatment for morbid obesity. It is also the gastric banding system with the most experience in North America.

The LAP-BAND® System induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. Since its clinical introduction in Europe in 1993, over 300,000 LAP-BAND® System devices have been sold around the world.

Minimally Invasive Approach

During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long instruments), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, small stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.

Unlike gastric bypass, there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the LAP-BAND® System procedure. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery.  If for any reason the LAP-BAND® System needs to be removed, it can be done, in some cases laparoscopically. Surgeons report that the stomach generally returns to its original shape after the removal of the LAP-BAND® System.

Adjustable Treatment

The LAP-BAND® System is also adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their LAP-BAND® System to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their LAP-BAND® System tightened.

To modify the size of the LAP-BAND® System, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The LAP-BAND® System is connected by tubing to an access port, which is placed well below the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin.