The LapBand is a silicone band that is placed around the top of the stomach. The LapBand is fully and easily reversible, whereas stomach stapling is not. The Lapband is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch. The LapBand is not a perfect solution and will not result in weight loss if you start eating an excess of chocolate or high calorie drinks (such as ice cream shakes and soda).
A recent French study concluded that: Laparoscopic Mini-Gastric Bypass is a technically simple, safe, and effective procedure in the treatment of morbid obesity and its associated medical illnesses. A recent study from Taiwan showed Mini-Gastric Bypass resulted in significant and sustained weight loss with successful treatment of Diabetes in 87%.
The lower risk of complications and re-hospitalization after the Mini-Gastric bypass shows that patients and insurers may have access to a safer and less expensive alternative. TV star Gil Gerard, (Buck Rogers), underwent a lifesaving new Mini-Gastric Bypass procedure in order to reclaim his health and restart his career.
The Lapband is positioned laparoscopically around the stomach and requires an overnight hospitalization and an upper GI swallow the next morning. The device can be gradually adjusted to increase stomach constriction by the physician in an office setting so that the patient loses approximately 1-2 pounds per week over two years.
Once you have recovered from the surgery, your body's own scar tissue heals the stomach tissue together, just as your skin stays healed long after sutures or staples are removed. This minimally invasive approach involves laparoscopic entrance into the abdomen, after which the area behind the stomach in dissected for placement of the band.
The LapBand is an alternative to gastric bypass, or stomach stapling. The LapBand is a viable alternative for those who do not want to experience gastric bypass surgery, and who wish to eat more normally. The LapBand is not a magic pill. But the lapband is a great alternative to the non-reversible gastric bypass surgery.
The LapBand is applied using relatively straight forward key hole surgery which is a lot less invasive than normal surgery and generally allows the patient to return to normal activities within a day or two. The LapBand is made of soft silicone and equipped with an elastic balloon that can be inflated to the desired volume by means of injection postoperatively.
Success of weight loss with the LapBand is 80% dependent on your commitment to follow-up with your surgeon every 6-8 weeks for at least the first year.
