Lap-BandŽ
Einstein Bariatrics - Understanding Surgery
The Lap-Band® System is a prosthetic device made out of plastic. It was FDA approved for the treatment of weight loss in 2001 after being studied in the United States. The Lap-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. Currently, over 1,000 Lap-Band® systems are placed in the United States every month.
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. The first adjustment occurs at six weeks post-operative. We wait that long in order to allow the band to scar in place. 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 using a small needle. A larger needle is then 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?
Are you losing weight? We expect an average of one to two pounds a week. Do you feel full after eating solid foods? If so, you should have fluid placed in your band. Do you experience reflux or vomiting? If so, your band may be too tight. Adjustments can be made every four weeks as necessary.
What are unique aspects of the Lap-Band®?
a) It is the only weight loss surgery that can be done as an outpatient
b) The Lap-Band® System is easily reversible
c) It allows patients to fully digest vitamins and minerals in food
How much weight will I lose?
All surgical programs with enough experience to be called experts in Lap-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. Excess weight is defined as a patient's current weight minus his or her ideal body weight.
What complications are associated with the Lap-Band®?
The Lap-Band® System is a much less complicated procedure than the other bariatric operations. Because of this, there are few potential complications possible immediately after placement of the Lap-Band® System. There are some long-term complications possible that are unique. First, the Lap-Band® System can "slip." That is, the Lap-Band® System can twist out of position and cause reflux and difficultly with foods. Weight loss can be affected. This can be diagnosed by an X-ray, however, only your surgeon will be experienced enough to diagnose this problem. A slip occurs in two percent of patients and requires an operation to fix. The Lap-Band® System has been known to erode into the stomach. This occurs in two percent of patients. This can be a serious problem that requires an operation and removal of the Lap-Band® System. Einstein Bariatrics has never had an erosion of a Lap-Band® System. Rarely, the band can become infected which is generally a cause for removal. In previously designed bands, the port was found to fracture easily - this has know been addressed with a new port design.
This page last updated on 2007-12-20 10:29:52