The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into two portions: one small upper portion and one large lower portion. Once the band has healed in place, the patient undergoes a series of adjustments. The band is tightened gradually until the patient feels full with approximately half a cup of food, the “sweet spot.” Digestion of food remains uninterrupted.
48 percent of type 2 diabetes cases are resolved.
Significant improvements in overall cholesterol occur, including a raise in HDL levels.
70.8 percent of hypertension cases are resolved or improved.
Patients lose on average 45 percent of their excess body weight.
The amount of food that can be consumed at a meal is restricted.
Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be absorbed fully by the body.
The Lap Band can be adjusted to increase or decrease restriction via an access port.
Surgery can be reversed by simply removing the band.
Risks and Disadvantages
The access port may leak or twist, which can require an operation to correct the problem.
Surgery may not provide the necessary feeling of satisfaction that one has had enough to eat despite multiple adjustments.
Dumping syndrome, which discourages patients from consuming large quantities of sweets does not occur.
The Band may erode into the stomach wall.
The Band may slip or prolapse requiring repositioning.
Weight loss is slower than that following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
