LAP-BAND® System
The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is an FDA-approved surgical treatment for severe obesity. The LAP-BAND® System reduces the capacity of the stomach, thereby reducing the amount of food that can be ingested. The smaller stomach capacity allows patients to feel full and satisfied after eating a smaller amount of food. Because the band also slows the emptying of food into the digestive tract, the feeling of fullness lasts for a longer time. Together, these factors lead to significant weight loss. Dr. Van L. Wagner has performed more than 600 LAP-BAND® System procedures and believes it is an excellent treatment option for those struggling with morbid obesity.
Patients who are suffering from morbid obesity, or those that have a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or higher, may be eligible for LAP-BAND® System weight loss surgery. Our St. Louis bariatric surgeon has performed this procedure on many patients who have seen dramatic weight loss as a result. The LAP-BAND® System involves securing an elastic band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch. This pouch holds less food and gives patients an earlier feeling of fullness. One of the chief benefits of the procedure is that the band is adjustable – meaning it can be adjusted to allow more or less food intake at a later date.
Procedure
LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding is a laparascopic procedure. This means that very small instruments and minimal incisions are used, resulting in less scarring and less recovery time than traditional bariatric surgery techniques. The adjustable band is placed around the stomach, and then inflated with saline to lessen the amount of food intake. Follow-up visits with Dr. Van L. Wagner will enable you to have the band inflated or deflated to adjust the amount of food you ingest before feeling full. The adjustment is made by injecting or removing saline solution through the sterile access port just below the skin.
Recovery
Many patients who undergo LAP-BAND® System surgery are able to go home the same day. There will likely be some pain and discomfort the first few days after surgery, but this can be managed with medication. Patients should prepare for a much different diet than they are used to after the procedure. This will include the necessary avoidance of certain foods and greater water intake. Patients will also need to return for follow-up visits to ensure the LAP-BAND® System is working properly, and that a reasonable amount of weight is being lost.
Contact Heart of America Bariatrics to schedule a consultation for LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding.