The word Lap-Band is the abbreviated combination of two words (LAP from laparoscopic and BAND from gastric band). The band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, thus dividing the stomach into two parts. The small upper stomach pouch can only hold a small amount of food. The remainder of the stomach lies below the band. The two parts are connected by means of a small opening created by the band. Food will pass through from the upper stomach pouch more slowly, which means you will feel full longer. One of the great advantages of the Lap-Band System is that the band opening is adjustable, which means that its diameter can be varied. The inner surface of the band contains a balloon that is connected by tubing to a reservoir which is placed under the skin in the abdomen during surgery. After surgery, the surgeon can make the band opening larger or smaller by piercing the reservoir with a fine needle through the skin and adding or subtracting liquid to inflate or deflate the balloon. In this way the size of the opening (for which the medical name is "stoma") can be varied. This means that the Lap-Band is a unique surgical treatment because the stoma can be modified without the need for another operation.

Minimally Invasive Approach

During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen.

Least Traumatic Procedure

Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the Lap-Band System procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the Lap-Band System needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.

Adjustable Treatment

The Lap-Band System is also the only adjustable weight loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.

To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to an access port, which is placed well below the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin.