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In this procedure, known as the Adjustable Gastric Band, a silicone elastomer band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch which can hold only a small amount of food. The lower, larger part of the stomach is below the band. These two parts are connected by a small outlet created by the band. Food will pass through the outlet (“stoma” in medical terms) from the upper stomach pouch to the lower part more slowly, and one will feel full longer. The diameter of the band outlet is adjustable to meet individual needs, which can change as one loses weight.
[View a video detailing the Adjustable Gastric Band procedure]
On the inner lining of the band there is a longitudinal balloon (like a bicycle tire). The band is left empty at time of surgery but is thereafter gradually filled with fluid by injection through the subcutaneous (just under the skin) port. It is thus possible to vary the opening in the stomach after surgery. This can be done in the surgeon's office.
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Disadvantages |
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Simple and relatively safe |
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Short recovery period |
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Major complication rate is low |
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No opening or removal of any part of the stomach or intestines |
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No altering of the natural anatomy |
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Very short recovery periods | |
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About a five percent failure rate because of:
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Balloon leakage
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Band erosion/migration
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Deep infection |
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Identifying patients who will not "eat through" the operation is difficult | |
Adjustable Gastric Band - Getting Started
What is the first thing I need to do if I am interested in the program?
The first step is to schedule a consultation with our office. If you are approved for bariatric surgery (surgical weight loss) after your initial consultation, and you have been medically cleared by the physician, your surgery date will be scheduled. Please note that the timing for the completion of these steps and the scheduling of surgery varies from patient to patient based on whether or not you are paying for the operation yourself (approximately two weeks).
How do I pay for the Adjustable Gastric Band surgery?
You can either pay for the operation yourself upfront (self-pay), or you can try to get the procedure covered by your health insurance plan. If you decide to self-pay for the surgery, we have several financing options to help you manage the costs (please call our office at (405) 691-3380, and we will be happy to give you this information).
How quickly can I get the Adjustable Gastric Band surgery?
Self-pay patients have about eight days from the date of their initial surgical consultation to the date of their surgery. Patients seeking insurance coverage for the procedure, however, generally wait about three weeks between the consultation and their surgery date due to the length of the insurance company's approval process.
How to Get Started:
- Download and print patient forms.
- Attend an Adjustable Gastric Band seminar.
- Make an appointment to see us.
For more information:
LAP-BAND - Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the newest and the only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. Click here to see if you are a candidate for the LAP-BAND system.
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