About the Lap Band

The Adjustable Silicone Gastric Band, commonly known as the Lap Band,
 is the most common form of weight loss surgery in Europe and Australia. 
It has been in use in Europe since 1993, and was approved by the FDA for 
use in the United States in 2001.
Its popularity is partially due to the fact that it is one of the 
least invasive surgical techniques used to control obesity. 
It has been designed for laparoscopic placement, which offers the 
advantages of reduced trauma reduced post-operative pain, shortened 
hospital stay and quicker recovery. No cutting or stapling is performed 
on the stomach nor is any portion of the intestines bypassed. 
The Lap Band system involves placing a hollow silicon band around 
the upper part of the stomach thus creating a small pouch that 'stores' 
the food, causing you to feel fuller quicker and longer than without the band.



Benefits of Lap Band

One of the features of the Lap Band, is that it is customizable 
to each person. Some people may stay full too long, others may find that 
they start getting hungry too soon after they eat. This is where the 
Lap Band outshines other procedures. The band is connected by a tube
to a reservoir placed beneath the skin during surgery. 
By injecting or removing saline from the band, the size of the 
band opening (stoma) can be increased or decreased as needed, 
without further surgery. 
This adjustment can usually be done right in the doctor's office by 
the surgeon or Nurse Practitioner. These adjustments are a normal part 
of your follow-up care. Limiting the amount of food you eat and slowing 
the emptying process from the stomach into the intestines results in 
weight loss.

Another advantage of the Lap Band is that it is completely removable, 
should the need or want arise. Upon removal, the stomach generally 
returns to its original form.

Because the band is easily removable, it may provide an option for 
patients who would not ordinarily consider other types of weight 
loss surgery. Other advantages include a one-day hospital 
stay and no change in vitamin absorption since no intestinal 
bypass is performed.



How Much Weight Loss is Expected and who is a Candidate? 

The amount of your weight loss depends both on the band and on 
your motivation and commitment. You will have to make changes 
to your lifestyle and your eating habits. Sustained weight 
loss is achieved by reducing the capacity of the stomach.
 
The Lap Band System can help you achieve longer-lasting 
weight loss by:

*limiting the amount you can eat 
*reducing your appetite 
*slowing digestion 
*Estimated weight loss is approximately 40 - 50% of one's excess
        weight. This is usually achieved within 2 years. 
*Patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40, 
        a BMI of at least 35 with one or more severe morbid (unhealthy) 
        conditions, or least 100 pounds over their estimated ideal weight.
 
People that are poor candidates for the Lap Band include:

*people who are poor candidates for surgery in general 
*have certain stomach or intestinal disorders 
*have an infection, have to take aspirin frequently 
*addicted to alcohol or drugs 
*patients who are not able or willing to follow the 
        rules for eating and exercise that are recommended by the 
        doctor after surgery.



Possible problems with the Lap Band

Some patients find they are unable to easily tolerate red 
meat,white pasta, rice,fresh soft white bread,milk,citrus fruits and
fibrous foods. You will normally be asked to eat three meals 
a day with one planned snack. 
You should chew your food very well and swallow slowly. 
You must only drink either no calorie or low calorie beverages 
15 minutes before or 45 minutes after your meal.Also for some people
it's difficult to feel when you're full.Being hungry can be emotional
and not physical.Stopping with eating after a small meal and waiting
for 15 minutes before eating more is a good way to find out if you're
full or not.Weird enough people then do feel full and don't eat more.

Side effects May include nausea and vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain,
and slippage of the band.The last problem could be solved by suturing 
the band in it's place. The most serious side effects may require 
either another operation or hospitalization.