Advantages of the LAP BAND System

Some people lose more than others. You may never reach your ideal weight. At the same time, chances are good that your health will improve, along with your self-image.

The LAP BAND System has the following advantages:

It is less invasive than other surgical techniques.
The band can be adjusted.
The process can be reversed.
It may require less hospital time than other surgical techniques.
Recovery may be quicker.

Important

"The advantage of LAP BAND is that it goes around the outside of the stomach, and the procedure can be reversed. I wouldn't have other surgeries. Having my stomach stapled is so final.

Obviously, the LAP BAND is also final, because you have to 'wear' it for the rest of your life. But it's good to know you can have it removed if there is a problem. With the LAP BANDmethod, your new small stomach won't let you eat much. This means you can lose a lot of weight in a short time. It also means the weight loss is long lasting. With a diet, you always put the weight back on or even put on more. I've won the battle with my body and my mind. I'm going to make sure it stays that way." (LAP BAND System patient)

The process is less invasive:

Of the surgeries used to treat obesity, the one used to place the LAP BAND System causes the least trauma. There is no need for cutting or stapling the stomach. Also, the LAP BAND System can usually be placed laparoscopically. The main benefits of that kind of surgery are

fewer operative complications
less pain
faster recovery

With this surgery, it's possible to avoid large incisions and scars.

The band is adjustable:

Normally, you don't need more surgery to adjust the size of the stoma. Band adjustment is a regular part of follow-up for this procedure. It's also a feature that may become more important as you lose weight. There are reasons you might need to change how much food you can eat. These can include your weight-loss progress, pregnancy, and illness. With the LAP-BAND System, the amount of food you can eat at one time can often be changed without more surgery. This can be done simply by inflating or deflating the band.

Changes can be reversed:

If it needs to be, the LAP-BAND System can be removed. When it is, the stomach generally returns to its original form. In general, it's easier to remove the LAP-BAND System than it is to reverse other procedures. Reversing other procedures typically leaves staples and more traumatized tissue.

You need less hospital time:

Patients normally leave the hospital one to three days after laparoscopic surgery. If a large incision is required or if there are complications, more days in the hospital may be needed.

You may recover more quickly:

After the procedure, patients usually get back to their normal activities in a week or two. It may take four weeks or more if the procedure is not done laparoscopically or if there are complications.