The laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure is also known as the lap-band, or gastric bypass band. During this bariatric operation, an inflatable band placed around the top of the stomach creates resistance to the food stream, translating into a sense of fullness and satiety with small amounts of food. There is no intestinal bypass. Weight loss is achieved by restricting the quantity of food consumed.
Patients who qualify for the gastric band in Seattle have a weight loss band implanted by the bariatric surgeon around the very top of the stomach to create a tiny pouch (less than 5 – 10 ml or one-third of an ounce). The band is then inflated through a port placed underneath the skin. This causes a variable amount of resistance to the food stream as it crosses the narrowing in the stomach created by the Lap-Band®, which induces satiety and a sense of fullness with small portions of food thereby controlling hunger. Lap-Band® adjustments are done incrementally until the right amount of restriction is achieved, commonly referred to as the “sweet spot” or the “green zone.”
About 55 percent excess weight loss (EWL) has been reported. 1
Improvement in all major comorbidities has been documented, including sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and depression.
With Lap-Band® surgery, there is very little risk of “dumping” syndrome — which occurs when a patient (who has had gastric bypass) consumes sugars or carbohydrates, or eats too quickly, and experiences nausea, cramping, diarrhea, sweating, vomiting and heart palpitations. Involves no intestinal bypass or malabsorption of nutrients.
After gastric band surgery, patients require regular adjustments to achieve the ideal amount of restriction.
O'Brien PE, McPhail T, Chaston T, Dixon J. Systematic review of medium-term weight loss after bariatric operations. Obes Surg. 2006;16(8):1032–1040.
