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LAP-BAND® Frequently
Asked Questions
Click on the questions below to reveal the answers.
- What is the LAP-BAND® System?
The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the first U.S. FDA-approved adjustable gastric band for use in weight reduction. To date, this simple reversible surgically implanted device has been used in more than 300,000 procedures worldwide.
The LAP-BAND® System was approved by the FDA in June 2001 for severely obese adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more or for people with a BMI of at least 35 plus at least one severe obesity-related health condition such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and asthma.
- Which patients are eligible to receive the LAP-BAND® System?
The LAP-BAND® System is approved for patients (18 years and above) with a BMI of 40 or more or for people with a BMI of at least 35 plus at least one severe obesity-related health condition such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and asthma.
- What are the benefits of the LAP-BAND® System?
The LAP-BAND® System is considered safer and less invasive than gastric bypass, as there is no stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing.1,2 It is adjustable and reversible and has a lower severe complication rate perioperatively and a lower mean short-term mortality rate compared with gastric bypass. In fact, the LAP-BAND® System has a mortality rate of 0.05 percent, approximately 1/10 the mortality rate of gastric bypass.3
- How is the LAP-BAND® System procedure performed?
The LAP-BAND® System's inflatable band is usually placed around the top portion of the stomach laparoscopically, using "keyhole" surgery, which offers the advantages of reduced pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period.i,ii The LAP-BAND® System procedure is considered safer and less invasive than gastric bypass, as there is no stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing.i,ii
- Is the LAP-BAND® System safe?
To date, the LAP-BAND® System has been successfully used in more than 300,000 procedures worldwide. This simple, reversible medical device has been available in Europe since 1993 and was approved by the FDA in June 2001. It is considered safer and less invasive than gastric bypass, as there is no stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing.
The LAP-BAND® System's inflatable band is usually placed around the top portion of the stomach laparoscopically, using "keyhole" surgery, which offers the advantages of reduced pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period.i,ii
Additionally, the LAP-BAND® System has a lower severe complication rate perioperatively (less than 1%), lower mean short-term mortality rate (0.05 percent, approximately 1/10 the mortality rate of gastric bypass)iii and carries fewer risks of vitamin and mineral deficiencies than gastric bypass.4
- How much weight can a person expect to lose after having LAP-BAND® System?
Weight should be lost gradually. A weight loss of two to three pounds a week in the first year after the operation is possible, but one pound a week is more likely. Individual results may vary.
- How does the LAP-BAND® System compare to gastric bypass?
The LAP-BAND® System procedure does not involve stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing and has a lower severe complication perioperatively (less than 1%) and lower mean short-term mortality rate compared gastric bypass (0.05 percent, approximately 1/10 the mortality rate of gastric bypass).iii
Unlike gastric bypass, the LAP-BAND® System can be adjusted, tightened or loosened, to meet an individual's weight-loss goals. It is also reversible and can be removed at any time.
- What are the common side effects associated with LAP-BAND® System?
As with any surgery there are possible risks and complications with the LAP-BAND® System, including but not limited to infection, nausea, vomiting, band slippage and obstruction, and in rare cases, gastric perforation and reoperation. You can find more risk information by visiting www.lapband.com or by calling 1-877-LAP-BAND.
- Is there a risk of death when using the LAP-BAND® System?
As with other major surgeries, death is considered a potential risk. However, the LAP-BAND® System has a lower mean short-term mortality rate compared with gastric bypass (0.05 percent, approximately 1/10 the mortality rate of gastric bypass).iii
- Could a patient fail to lose weight after having the LAP-BAND® System procedure?
Results can vary because of a number of factors. Even though the LAP-BAND® System can limit the amount of food consumed, lifestyle changes are critical to weight loss success.
Additionally, the LAP-BAND® System can be adjusted, tightened or loosened, to enable an individual to achieve a level of satiety while maintaining a healthy diet.
- Do patients experience a heightened sensitivity to alcohol following LAP-BAND® System surgery?
No, unlike gastric bypass surgery, there is no stomach cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing involved with the LAP-BAND® System, therefore absorption of alcohol is not affected.
Following their surgery, we counsel our patients regarding appropriate lifestyle and diet choices, including the consumption of alcohol.
- How many patients remove the band after having it placed?
While the LAP-BAND® System is a reversible weight-loss surgery option and it can be removed at any time.
Prior to the procedure, our practice closely evaluates patients to ensure they are appropriate candidates for the LAP-BAND® System. This includes an evaluation of the causes - both physical and emotional - that contribute to the patient's excessive weight gain. And following the procedure, patients work closely with our surgeons and weight management team to develop a healthy eating plan, learn how to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, have routine check-ups and ongoing band adjustments if necessary, and regularly attend support group meetings.
- Do patients require plastic surgery due to weight loss following the LAP-BAND® System procedure?
Significant weight loss may sometimes require follow-up plastic surgery to remove excess skin folds. As a rule, plastic surgery should not be considered for at least a year or two after the operation since sometimes the skin will mold itself around the new body tissue. We counsel our LAP-BAND® System patients to give the skin the time it needs to adjust and to discuss their appearance concerns with us.
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- Chapman A, Game P, O'Brien P, Maddern G, Kiroff G, Foster B, Ham J. Executive summary: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for the treatment of obesity: Update and re-appraisal. Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures-Surgical (ASERNIP-S) Report No. 31, Second Edition. Adelaide, South Australia: ASERNIP-S, June 2002.
(Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery, like the LAP-BAND® surgery, is associated with a mean short-term mortality rate of around 0.05% compared to 0.50% for Gastric Bypass and 0.31% for Vertical Banded Gastroplasty.)
- Parikh MS, Shen R, Weiner M, Siegel N, Ren CJ. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery in super-obese patients (BMI>50) is safe and effective: a review of 332 patients. Obes Surg. 2005 Jun-Jul;15(6):858-63.
- Chapman AE, Kiroff G, Game P, Foster B, O’Brien P, Ham J, Maddern GJ. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in the treatment of obesity: a systematic literature review. Surgery 2004;135:326-351.
- Fisher BL, Schauer P.Medical and surgical options in the treatment of severe obesity. Am J Surg 2002;184:9S-16S.
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