Gastric Bands
Lap-Band Surgery in Missouri
Boone Hospital offers outpatient lap-band surgery to patients. The Lap-Band is the only surgical procedure approved by the FDA for patients with a lower BMI. You may be eligible for a Lap-Band with a BMI as low as 30.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
The LAP-BAND® system is considered an adjustable gastric band. It is a silicone adjustable band that are placed around the upper portion of the stomach to restrict the amount of food that can be consumed and to create a longer feeling of satiety. An adjustable band is placed laparoscopically without cutting or stapling the stomach and does not bypass a portion of the bowel as does the gastric bypass operation. The band has an adjustable inflatable balloon that is connected to an access port that is placed under the skin in the abdomen.
About Gastric Band Surgery
The procedure is less invasive than other weight-loss surgeries and is the only adjustable and reversible option for patients. The Food and Drug Administration approved adjustable gastric banding systems in June 2001 and patient interest is growing rapidly due to the unique features of the product and procedure. To date, more than 550,000 patients worldwide have undergone the procedure.
This surgery is performed laparoscopically and patients typically go home the day following surgery. Recovery time is usually one week (or less) following surgery.
Weight loss with adjustable gastric bands is a little slower initially than the gastric bypass. Patients can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week. Weight Loss usually continues over a 5 year period. It is very important that the patient continue to follow-up with the surgeon and team so that adjustments can be made to the band as necessary.
Potential Complications:
-Band slippage. A band slippage can be described as when a portion of the stomach slips up through the band and causes dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), nausea/vomiting, and acid reflux. Band slippage can be caused by a repeated or sudden increase in intra abdominal pressure. This could be related to repeated vomiting or even trauma caused by a car accident. A band slippage usually requires the patient to return to the operating room for repair.
- Band erosion. A band erosion is related to the pressure of the band being wrapped around a hollow organ. Over time, the band may erode through the stomach wall and if this occurs, reoperation is required.
Success Requires Follow-Up
We want you to be successful in your weight loss. Your surgeon and our team will be available for follow-up appointments and to answer all your questions.
Typically patients will come to the office once every six weeks for follow up visits for the first year. During these visits, our registered dietitians will provide appropriate postoperative education. Your bariatric surgeon will also assess your hunger levels and assess your need for a saline adjustment.
