The LAP-BAND is an Adjustable Gastric Banding System that causes weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be consumed. The lap band is considered a "restrictive operation." This operation is performed laparoscopically which means five to six small incisions are made to insert a small camera and tools needed to perform the operation.
 | Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food one can 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; this results in weight loss. |
The band is connected by tubing to a port that is placed under the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can adjust the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin. The band can be inflated or deflated with saline solution, which affects the amount of food one is able to consume. |  |
The laparoscopic approach to the surgery offers the advantage of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the LAP-BAND System needs to be removed, the stomach will return to its original form.
Click here to watch top specialists perform this state-of-the-art medical procedure.
LAP-BAND Specialists: Dr. Ashley Vernon, Dr. David Lautz, and Dr. Malcolm Robinson.
For more information, visit the Lap-Band System website or the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) surgery web pages.
Send Feedback to: 
