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Adjustable Gastric Band

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, is a restrictive procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a much smaller stomach pouch. The band also slows the passage of food from the stomach into the intestine. This allows you to feel full for a much longer time after eating.

Candidates for adjustable gastric banding have a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI between 35 and 39 with obesity-related illnesses such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

* LAP Band is FDA approved for a BMI 30 or greater.

* Realise is not FDA approved for a BMI below 35.

How It Works 

  • Inflating the balloon inside the band with the saline solution further restricts the opening through which food passes. This reduces the amount you can eat and slows the passage of food. You feel full longer after eating.
  • Deflating the balloon inside the band by removing some of the saline solution increases the opening through which food passes. This can be helpful if you develop certain problems, like regurgitation of food.

Advantages

  • You eat less
  • Prolonged sense of fullness after small meals
  • Less invasive procedure
  • Shorter operating time
  • Can be an outpatient procedure
  • Adjustable
  • Reversible
  • Helps improve obesity-related conditions
  • Less risk of nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition

More Information

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Weight Loss Options

The desire to lose a significant amount of weight comes with options – and many questions. Talking with a doctor or professional in the weight loss field can help you make the best decision for yourself and your lifestyle. Below is a list of questions to get you started:

  1. Do I have surgery options? What is the difference in results?
  2. If I take medication, will I be on it indefinitely, or can I stop taking it after I lose weight?
  3. How do different methods of weight loss work – medications, nonsurgical and surgical?
  4. What are the cost differences and insurance coverages for weight loss options?
  5. What are the side effects of different options, medications vs. surgery?
  6. What can I expect for the outcome of each of my options?
  7. What will I be able to eat/not eat with my different options?
  8. How long will it take to lose weight, and what can I do to maintain weight loss?
  9. What are the major and/or most frequent complications of surgery?
  10. What can I do to decrease my risk of complications?
  11. What are the safety concerns for different types of weight loss – medication and bariatric surgery?
  12. What kind of support is available for me on the weight loss journey – such as for diet or psychological support as my body changes?
  13. If I do not have surgery, what is the risk?
  14. What do I have to do to qualify for weight loss surgery?

Because obesity is so harmful to health, having surgery to help with significant weight loss may greatly reduce your risk of premature death. And, surgical techniques for weight loss surgery have been shown to be as safe or safer than gallbladder or hip replacement surgery, and the overall likelihood of major complications is about 4%.

The decision to have weight loss surgery typically happens after many years of trying other methods to lose weight. But why wait?

Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.

Sources:
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
UC Health
MedlinePlus

Bariatric Surgery Services