Gastric Banding (Lap-Band)

A note on band safety.

The band is rarely placed these days because of a higher rate of long-term complications than other procedures. However, for the sake of education, we believe it is important to discuss it.

The gastric banding procedure, known by its trade name, Lap-Band, is the only adjustable and fully reversible bariatric procedure available today. The band is a purely restrictive procedure that is performed in a minimally invasive or laparoscopic manner. This means that instead of the single large incision of traditional open surgery, the surgery only requires several small incisions in the abdomen.

Specialized medical devices, including the band, are inserted through abdominal incisions using trocars. One such minimally invasive instrument is the laparoscope itself. This high-definition camera provides Dr. Morin with a clear view of the surgical field via television monitors positioned above the operating table. The gastric band comprises a biocompatible, silicon-like material with small adjustable pillows that retain saline and provide restriction. During surgery, the band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach and will be tightened to form two interconnected stomach chambers. This is achieved by introducing sterile saline (salt water) through a specialized injection port placed under the skin and attached to the abdominal wall. The injection port is connected to the band via soft, thin tubing and allows adjustment until the desired level of tightness is achieved. This involves a few visits to our office after the procedure – called band adjustments – to find the ideal restriction.

Results

The gastric band offers a lower degree of potential weight loss than the gastric bypass or sleeve.

Advantages

Significant weight loss and disease improvement results
The only major procedure that is readily adjustable and reversible
No cutting of the stomach or rerouting of the intestine
Fewer dietary restrictions when compared to the gastric bypass

Considerations

Lower total weight loss potential than the gastric bypass or gastric sleeve
Patients will require a greater degree of follow-up after surgery
Complications may include band slippage, injection port flipping, and band erosion into the stomach. These conditions will require a conversion bariatric procedure
The gastric band is a major surgery and comes with inherent risks