Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, is a restrictive procedure in which a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a much smaller stomach pouch. The band also slows the passage of food from the stomach into the intestine. This allows you to feel full for a much longer time after eating.
Candidates for adjustable gastric banding have a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI between 35 and 39 with obesity-related illnesses such as Type II diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
* LAP Band is FDA approved for a BMI 30 or greater.
* Realise is not FDA approved for a BMI below 35.
How It Works
Inflating the balloon inside the band with the saline solution further restricts the opening through which food passes. This reduces the amount you can eat and slows the passage of food. You feel full longer after eating.
Deflating the balloon inside the band by removing some of the saline solution increases the opening through which food passes. This can be helpful if you develop certain problems, like regurgitation of food.
Advantages
You eat less
Prolonged sense of fullness after small meals
Less invasive procedure
Shorter operating time
Can be an outpatient procedure
Adjustable
Reversible
Helps improve obesity-related conditions
Less risk of nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition
