Operative Procedures

Laproscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding or the LapBand® was approved by the FDA for use in the United States in June 2001.  The band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, similar to the way a watch fits around your wrist.  The band creates a “virtual pouch” that limits the intake of food.This operation is purely restrictive and there is no malabsorption as with the gastric bypass.

Click the image below to view the LapBand procedure.

Advantages

1. Lowest postoperative complication and mortality

2. Least invasive approach

3. No stapling or cutting of stomach or intestines

4. Adjustable

5. Potentially reversible

6. Low malnutrition risk

Disadvantages

1. Slower weight loss and overall less weight loss than with gastric bypass

2. Regular follow up critical for band adjustments

3. Requires implantation of a medical device

4. Effectiveness can be reduced if band slips out of position

5. Has higher incidence of long term complications that require operative intervention than gastric bypass

6. Requires significant discipline on the part of the patient