LAP-BAND® Bariatric Surgery
Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. It is the least invasive way to surgically alter the amount of food your stomach can hold. Unlike other methods of bariatric surgery, there is no cutting or stapling required and the intestines are not rerouted during the procedure. The result is a safe and effective surgical option that has less discomfort and usually requires a shorter recovery time. The procedure is also reversible, if required. When the gastric band is removed, the stomach will eventually return to original capacity. Because it is adjustable, the rate of weight loss can be controlled and modified to meet your individual needs and lifestyle. Periodic adjustments of the LAP-BAND are sometimes necessary and can be made in a simple office procedure. During that procedure, saline is added to or removed from the band to adjust its size. More saline makes the band smaller and diminishes the size of the stomach opening, resulting in an increased rate of weight loss. Removing saline enlarges the opening and helps to reduce any discomfort you may experience when eating. When you have a smaller stomach opening, you will feel full or satisfied with the amount of food you eat, even though it is much less than you are probably eating now. However, successful weight loss with a LAP-BAND depends on your willingness to make lifestyle changes, especially in those areas that relate to food. If you are unwilling to make these changes, you may not be a good candidate for the LAP-BAND System. If you are interested in the LAP-BAND System and would like to learn more, please contact us to make an appointment at our next free information seminar. |
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The LAP-BAND ® is an adjustable silicone band designed to limit food intake that is surgically placed around the stomach opening. When you consume fewer calories than you need, you will begin to use the energy stored in your body. This energy is stored in fat, and as you use up your fat deposits, you lose weight.