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Lap-Band ®

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FAQ

What is the Lap-Band ® System?
The Lap Band Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the first U.S. FDA-approved adjustable gastric band for use in weight reduction. To date, this simple reversible surgically implanted device has been used in more than 300,000 procedures worldwide.

The Lap Band System was approved by the FDA in June 2001 for severely obese adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more or for people with a BMI of at least 35 plus at least one severe obesity-related health condition such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and asthma.Back to Top

Which patients are eligible to receive the Lap-Band ® System?
The Lap Band System is approved for patients (18 years and above) with a BMI of 40 or more or for people with a BMI of at least 35 plus at least one severe obesity-related health condition such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and asthma.Back to Top

What are the benefits of the Lap-Band ® System?
The Lap Band System is considered safer and less invasive than gastric bypass, as there is no stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing. It is adjustable and reversible and has a lower severe complication rate perioperatively and a lower mean short-term mortality rate compared with gastric bypass. In fact, the Lap Band System has a mortality rate of 0.05 percent, approximately 1/10 the mortality rate of gastric bypass.Back to Top

How is the Lap-Band ® System procedure performed?
The Lap Band System's inflatable band is usually placed around the top portion of the stomach laparoscopically, using "keyhole" surgery, which offers the advantages of reduced pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period.

The Lap Band System procedure is considered safer and less invasive than gastric bypass, as there is no stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing.Back to Top

Is the Lap-Band ® System safe?
To date, the Lap Band System has been successfully used in more than 300,000 procedures worldwide. This simple, reversible medical device has been available in Europe since 1993 and was approved by the FDA in June 2001. It is considered safer and less invasive than gastric bypass, as there is no stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing.

The Lap Band System's inflatable band is usually placed around the top portion of the stomach laparoscopically, using "keyhole" surgery, which offers the advantages of reduced pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period.

Additionally, the Lap Band System has a lower severe complication rate perioperatively (less than 1%), lower mean short-term mortality rate (0.05 percent, approximately 1/10 the mortality rate of gastric bypass) and carries fewer risks of vitamin and mineral deficiencies than gastric bypass.Back to Top

How much weight can a person expect to lose after having the Lap-Band ® System?
Weight should be lost gradually. A weight loss of two to three pounds a week in the first year after the operation is possible, but one pound a week is more likely. Individual results may vary. Back to Top

How does the Lap-Band ® System compare to gastric bypass?
The Lap Band System procedure does not involve stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing and has a lower severe complication perioperatively (less than 1%) and lower mean short-term mortality rate compared gastric bypass (0.05 percent, approximately 1/10 the mortality rate of gastric bypass). Unlike gastric bypass, the Lap Band System can be adjusted, tightened or loosened, to meet an individual's weight-loss goals. It is also reversible and can be removed at any time.Back to Top

What are the common side effects associated with the Lap-Band ® System?
As with any surgery there are possible risks and complications with the Lap Band System, including but not limited to infection, nausea, vomiting, band slippage and obstruction, and in rare cases, gastric perforation and reoperation. You can find more risk information by visiting www.lapband.com or by calling 1-877-LAP-BAND.Back to Top

Is there a risk of death when using the Lap-Band ® System?
As with other major surgeries, death is considered a potential risk. However, the Lap Band System has a lower mean short-term mortality rate compared with gastric bypass (0.05 percent, approximately 1/10 the mortality rate of gastric bypass). Back to Top

Could a patient fail to lose weight after having the Lap-Band ® System procedure?
Results can vary because of a number of factors. Even though the Lap Band System can limit the amount of food consumed, lifestyle changes are critical to weight loss success.

Additionally, the Lap Band System can be adjusted, tightened or loosened, to enable an individual to achieve a level of satiety while maintaining a healthy diet. Back to Top

Do patients experience a heightened sensitivity to alcohol following Lap-Band ® System surgery?
No, unlike gastric bypass surgery, there is no stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal rerouting involved with the Lap Band System, therefore absorption of alcohol is not affected.

Following their surgery, we counsel our patients regarding appropriate lifestyle and diet choices, including the consumption of alcohol.Back to Top

How many patients remove the band after having it placed?
While the Lap Band System is a reversible weight-loss surgery option and it can be removed at any time.

Prior to the procedure, our practice closely evaluates patients to ensure they are appropriate candidates for the Lap Band System. This includes an evaluation of the causes - both physical and emotional - that contribute to the patient's excessive weight gain. And following the procedure, patients work closely with our surgeons and weight management team to develop a healthy eating plan, learn how to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, have routine check-ups and ongoing band adjustments if necessary, and regularly attend support group meetings.Back to Top

Do patients require plastic surgery due to weight loss following the Lap-Band ® System procedure?
Significant weight loss may sometimes require follow-up plastic surgery to remove excess skin folds. As a rule, plastic surgery should not be considered for at least a year or two after the operation since sometimes the skin will mold itself around the new body tissue. We counsel our Lap Band System patients to give the skin the time it needs to adjust and to discuss their appearance concerns with us.Back to Top

For more information please visit www.LapBand.com