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About the Lap Band surgery:
The procedure works by surgically placing the Lap
Band across the top of the stomach, creating a small stomach
pouch. The band slows down the passage of food into the
rest of the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness with
only small portions of food. This allows for safe weight
loss without any nutritional deficiencies. There is no
dumping syndrome, no need for iron or B12 shots as there
is with the gastric bypass.
Most Lap-Band operations are performed as “same day” procedures,
where the patient leaves the hospital a few hours after
surgery. Time off from work varies from person to person,
but if no heavy lifting is involved, a patient can usually
return to work within 3-7 days after surgery.
The Lap-Band is adjusted or “filled” in the office. It
is adjusted after surgery by injecting the port with saline
solution. This inflates the balloon inside the band, shrinking
the diameter of the stomach opening. If necessary, fluid
can be withdrawn from the band, increasing the diameter
of the stomach opening allowing for greater food intake,
which is especially important for women who become pregnant.
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Lap Band placed across the stomach
with the port invisible under the skin. |
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The Lap Band port is accessed for
adjustments. This is generally done in the office. |
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When the Lap Band's inner balloon is completely deflated, the stomach
opening allows a moderate passage of food. |
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When the inner balloon is inflated there is a smaller opening into
the stomach creating a greater feeling of fullness and a greater restriction
to the amount of food you can eat. |
Advantages of the Lap Band:
· No cutting across the stomach or intestine
· Safest profile of any weight loss surgery
· Laparoscopic surgery with small incisions
· Short recovery time with most patients going home
the same day of surgery
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