Surgical Weight Loss Options:
Required Forms for Surgery Program:
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Weight Loss Surgery Options
LAP-BAND System
> Introduction
> LAP-BAND System FAQ's
Introduction
The LAP-BAND® System is the least invasive, safest and the only adjustable and reversible surgical weight-loss option available in the United States. It helps achieve sustained weight loss by placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to reduce its capacity.
The LAP-BAND System is a silicone elastomer ring designed to be placed around the upper part of the stomach and filled with saline on the inner surface. This creates a new small stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below the band so the food storage area in the stomach is reduced, and the pouch above the band can hold only a small amount of food. The band also controls the stoma (stomach outlet) between the two parts of the stomach. The size of the stoma regulates the flow of the food from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. When the stoma is smaller, you feel full sooner and have a feeling of satiety so you are not hungry between meals.
The band is connected by tubing to an access port that is placed beneath the skin during surgery. Later, the surgeon can change the stoma size by adding or subtracting saline inside the inner balloon through the access port. This adjustment process helps drive the rate of weight loss. If the band is too loose and weight loss inadequate, adding more saline can reduce the size of the stoma to further restrict the amount of food that can move through it. If the band it too tight, the surgeon will remove some saline to loosen then band and reduce the amount of restriction.
The LAP-BAND System has been developed in partnership with leading Bariatric surgeons around the world and eliminates many of the known associated operative risks and provides unique benefits compared to other obesity surgeries. The LAP-BAND System is usually placed laparoscopically, or using "keyhole" surgery, which offers the advantages of reduced pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period. There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach or bypassing the intestines. If for any reason the band needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.
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