Laparoscopic Adjustable Band®
The Laparoscopic Adjustable Band® Systemis a prosthetic device made of plastic that was FDA approved for the treatment of weight loss in 2001. The Laparoscopic Adjustable Band® System is an adjustable ring that is placed over the upper stomach to create a small pouch. The ring is attached to tubing which itself is attached to a port that lies under the skin. The tightness of the ring is adjusted during routine office visits. If a patient does not experience adequate weight loss, fluid is added through the port, which tightens the band, creating a smaller pouch and a sense of early fullness after meals. If too much fluid is present, such that the patient cannot tolerate any solid food, fluid can be removed from the band. Using these adjustments, the band can be fine-tuned for each patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many adjustments are needed before I lose weight?
Because of the special diet we place patients on after their operation, many patients lose some weight even without any adjustments. On average, four adjustments are necessary before the patient loses weight at an expected pace. Some people need only one adjustment; others may need five or six.
How are the adjustments performed?
In the office, your surgeon or his assistant will clean the area on top of the port with betadine and then numb the skin with lidocaine. A needle is placed through the skin and into the port. Saline is then injected at amounts decided on by the surgeon.
How do I know if I need an adjustment?
If you are not losing an average of one to two pounds a week, or if you do not feel full after eating solid foods you should have fluid placed in your band. If you experience reflux or vomiting your band may be too tight. Adjustments can be made every four weeks as necessary.
What are unique aspects of the Laparoscopic Adjustable Band®?
a) It is the only weight loss surgery that can be done on an outpatient basis
b) The Laparoscopic Adjustable Band® System is easily reversible
c) It allows patients to fully digest vitamins and minerals in food
How much weight will I lose?
Experts in Laparoscopic Adjustable Band® System surgery seem to find that patients will lose an average of 40 to 50 percent of their excess weight. The weight loss occurs over a period of two to three years, with the majority of weight loss in the first year.
What complications are associated with the Laparoscopic Adjustable Band®?
The Laparoscopic Adjustable Band® System is a much less complicated procedure than other bariatric operations. Because of this, there are few potential complications possible immediately after placement of this system. Some unique, long-term complications are possible. First, the system can "slip"; that is, it can twist out of position and cause reflux and difficultly with foods, affecting weight loss. The system has also been known to erode into the stomach. This can be a serious problem that requires an operation and removal of the system. Rarely, the band can become infected, which is generally a cause for removal.
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