Lap-Band®, REALIZE™ Band: Gastric Band
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap Band and Realize Band)
Gastric banding is a purely restrictive surgical procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach. This band divides the stomach into two portions: one small and one larger. Since the stomach is divided into smaller parts, most patients feel full faster. The band is connected to a small tube and reservoir positioned under the skin that allows the surgeon to adjust the diameter of the band by making it tighter or looser, depending on the patient’s individual degree of restriction. If the rate of weight loss is not acceptable, the band can be adjusted. At ASA we offer both the LAP-BAND® and REALIZETM Band procedures.
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Courtesy Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
Advantages:
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A 2004 analysis of more than 22,000 patients showed that those who underwent a bariatric surgical procedure experienced complete resolution of improvement of their co-morbid conditions including diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea.
Patients lost roughly 47% of their excess weight. -
The amount of food that could be consumed at a meal was restricted.
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Food passes through the digestive tract in the usual manner, allowing it to be absorbed fully.
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The band can be adjusted to increase or decrease restriction via an access port just under the skin.
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The surgery can be reversed.
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In studies involving more than 3,000 patients, excess weight loss ranged from 28%-87%, with a minimum of two-year postoperative follow-up.
Risks:
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The access port may leak or twist, which can require an operation to correct the problem.
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Surgery may not provide the necessary feeling of fullness.
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Dumping syndrome, which may provide important warning signs, does not occur.
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The band may erode into the stomach wall.
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The band may move or slip.
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Weight loss is slower than that following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
