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Is Gastric Banding?
Gastric Banding
The Lap-Band® is the only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. In this procedure, a hollow adjustable band is fastened around the stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch.
Lap-Band® Adjustable Gastric
Banding
The band around the stomach pouch is connected to a small access port placed under the skin at the time of surgery and connected to the band by kink-resistant silicone tubing. By adding or removing saline to the inflatable balloon on the inner survace of the band via the access port, the amount and consumption rate of food can be controlled. Adjustments to the band, which are performed during simple outpatient visits, are determined by the patient's weight loss, the amount of food that can be comfortably eaten, the exercise regimen, and other issues surrounding the patient's health.
Because no permanent changes are made to the body's physiology, the procedure can essentially be reversed. If necessary, all of the system components can be removed fromt he body with no damage to the digestive organs. The stomach will generally return to its original form and capacity once the band is removed.
The effectiveness of the LAP-BAND System depends on the success of the surgical procedure and the ability of the patient to change his or her diet and eating behavior. Clinicians offering the LAP-BAND System, including the surgeons at ObesitySolutions, have committed to being able to provide long-term care for their patients, including dietary, behavior-modification, and counseling support. After surgery, LAP-BAND System patients must maintain scheduled follow-up visits. Follow-up may require four or more visits during the first year and include a review of the patient’s progress and discussion of any concerns or problems that are pertinent at that time. Patients are encouraged to eat a balanced diet and to avoid the problematic eating patterns of their pre-surgery lifestyle. The restrictive effect of the band produces feelings of early satiety and longer-lasting fullness. This reinforces the patient’s ability to be content with smaller meals when solid food is eaten and well chewed. At the appropriate time, patients are encouraged to increase physical activity and exercise, which is very important to weight loss, good health, and improved quality of life.
See Also
 Gastric
Banding vs. Gastric Bypass |
