LAP-BAND

• How It Works
• Eligibility
• Patient Benefits
• Complications
• Post Surgical Diet

HOW IT WORKS

During the procedure, a silicone ring is placed around the upper part of the stomach.  A balloon inside the ring is then inflated to create a small pouch (approximately the size of 4 teaspoons).  The balloon can be inflated, to restrict the amount of food entering the stomach, or it can be deflated, to correct for over-restriction.  This correction makes the patient feel fuller sooner when eating normal, high-quality food.

The band can be adjusted by injecting saline solution into a port that is placed in the abdomen just under the skin to increase or decrease the restriction.  The port is not visible but can be felt by firm pressure with the fingers.

As long as the patient eats normal, high quality food, this system decreases the amount of calories ingested at a meal.  Drinking high-calorie beverages like milkshakes or regular soda, or eating calorie-dense food like chips and candy will prevent weight loss and can even cause weight gain.

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for open Lap-Band Surgery, the patient must:

• have a Body Mass Index of 45 or less
• have at least two documented weight loss attempts in the past five years
• not have a medical condition that would make you a high risk for surgery
• not have abused drugs or alcohol in the past two years
• be able to follow medical advice
• be emotionally and socially stable for the past year

          Click here for a BMI calculator from the National Institutes of Health

          Click here for a BMI reduction target chart 

PATIENT BENEFITS

Patients who have Lap-Band surgery usually demonstrate a reduction or elimination of symptoms associated with chronic weight-associated diseases.  Many people experience improved energy levels, increased mobility, improved sleep, and improved mood.

COMPLICATIONS

Soon After Surgery

                                                                                      
Can Occur Anytime After Surgery

Complication	Risk	Treatment
Port/tubing issues	5%	Remove or replace
Band slippage	3-5%	Remove or reposition band
Band erosion	1%	Remove band, fix hole in stomach

POST SURGICAL DIET

The patient is admitted to Fletcher Allen on the day of surgery and will be out of bed the same day.  The patient is generally discharged within 24 hours of the procedure, following fluoroscopy with a barium swallow study. 

The post-operative diet is as follows:
Weeks 1 and 2 - Liquids
Weeks 3 and 4 - Blenderized foods
Weeks 5 and 6 - Soft foods

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