The gastric band is a silicon ring designed to be set around the higher part of the stomach and filled with saline solution. This creates a new, smaller pouch so that food intake capacity is reduced. The band also controls the opening between the two sections of the stomach now formed by the band. The size of the opening regulates food flow from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. When the opening is small you will feel satisfied quickly. That sensation will be maintained so you will not be hungry between meals. The band has a tube connected to a port of access, which is set under the skin during surgery.

The surgeon can change the size of the pouch opening by adding or taking out saline solution to or from the band through the port of access. These adjustments will help maintain weight loss. If the band is too loose and weight loss inadequate, it can be corrected by adding more saline solution to reduce the size of the opening and restrain the amount of food that can move through it. On the other hand, if the band is too tight the surgeon will remove some saline solution to loosen the band and reduce the restriction.

LAP-BAND® Insertion Procedure

Insertion is usually done by laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. This technique is considered less invasive. The surgeon makes small incisions on the wall of the stomach in order to insert long and thin surgical instruments. A small camera is also introduced so the surgeon can see the area on a video monitor. A small tunnel is formed behind the upper part of the stomach. The band is introduced and secured around the upper part of the stomach, almost as a bracelet. Then, the band is reinforced with a ring around the stomach.

The Lap-Band system is usually empty or partially filled for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Removing the LAP-BAND® System

If problems with the band arise, if you can’t lose enough weight, or you can’t adjust to your new eating habits, your surgeon can recommend that the Lap-Band System® be removed. This decision will be taken only after the surgeon has consulted with the patient. Generally, after a gastric band has been removed, the stomach will go back to its original shape and the digestive track should function normally. Please keep in mind that once the band is removed you will probably gain back your weight.

Gastric Restrictions, Disadvantages and Risks for a LAP-BAND® System

• The band needs lifetime maintenance and adjustments.
• Band may slide, leak or erode.
• Risk of internal infections.
• Stomach aches after eating.
• Food obstructions are possible.
• Possible nutritional deficiencies during liquid diet.
• Weight reduction will be minimal if post-operative recommendations such as diet and exercise are
  not followed.
• 10% to 20% of gastric band patients will need surgical revision. This is the highest such rate
  among all procedures.