The LAP-BAND® System is a prosthetic device made out of plastic. It was FDA approved for the treatment of weight loss in the middle of 2001 after being studied in the United States. The Europeans and Australians have had experience using the LAP-BAND® System for over five years. The LAP-BAND® System is an adjustable ring that is placed over the upper stomach to create a small pouch. The ring is attached to tubing which itself is attached to a port that lies under the skin. The tightness of the ring is adjusted during routine office visits. If a patient does not experience adequate weight loss, fluid is added through the port and the band tightens creating a smaller pouch and a sense of early fullness after meals. If too much fluid is present such that the patient cannot tolerate any solid food, fluid is removed from the band. See some more pictures of the LAP-BAND® System. Using these adjustments, the band can be fine-tuned for each patient. Currently, over 1000 LAP-BANDS® are placed in the United States every month.

How many adjustments are necessary before I start losing weight?

Because of the special diet we place patients on after their operation, many patients loss some weight even without any adjustments. The first adjustment occurs at 6 weeks post-operative. We wait that long in order to allow the band to scar in place. On average, four adjustments are necessary before the patient is losing weight at an expected pace. Some people need only one adjustment; others may need five or six.

How are the adjustments performed?

In the office, your surgeon or his assistant will clean the area on top of the port with betadine and then numb the skin with lidocaine using a small needle. A larger needle is then placed through the skin and into the port. Saline is then injected at amounts decided on by the surgeon.

When do I know that I need an adjustment?

Are you losing weight? We expect an average of 1-2 pounds a week. Do you feel full after eating solid foods? You should then have fluid placed in your band. Do you experience reflux or vomiting - then your band may be too tight. Adjustments can be made every couple weeks as necessary.

What are some of the unique aspects of the LAP-BAND® System?

1. The LAP-BAND® System is the only weight loss surgery that can be done as an outpatient.
2. The LAP-BAND® System is easily reversible.
3. The LAP-BAND® System allows patients to fully digest vitamins and minerals in food.

What is the weight loss expectation with the LAP-BAND® System and is it used for weight control?

All surgical programs with enough experience to be called experts in LAP-BAND® System surgery seem to find that patients will lose an average of 50% of their excess weight. The weight loss occurs over a period of 2-3 years, with the majority of weight loss in the first year. Excess weight is defined as a person's current weight minus their ideal body weight.

What are some of the potential complications of the LAP-BAND® System? The LAP-BAND® System is a much less complicated procedure than the other bariatric operations. Because of this, there are few potential complications possible immediately after placement of the LAP-BAND® System. There are some long-term complications possible that are unique. First, the LAP-BAND® System can "slip." That is, the LAP-BAND® System can twist out of position and cause reflux and difficultly with foods. Weight loss can be affected. This can be diagnosed by an X-ray - however, only your surgeon will be experienced enough to diagnose this problem. A slip occurs in 2 percent of patients and requires an operation to fix. The LAP-BAND® System has been known to erode into the stomach. This occurs in less than 1 percent of patients. This can be a serious problem that requires an operation and removal of the LAP-BAND® System. We have never had an erosion of a LAP-BAND®. Rarely, the band can become infected which is generally a cause for removal. In previously designed bands, the port was found to fracture easily - this has now been addressed with a new port design.

If I "skip" and drink with a meal or eat too much soft, high calorie food during one meal, have I "ruined the whole thing?"

No. But do not make a habit of it.

Click here to read more Frequently Asked Questions