The lap band surgery System is a silastic adjustable “belt” placed around the top of the stomach. It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity in 2001. The “belt” is attached to tubing which is then attached to a port that is placed under the abdominal skin. The tightness of the “belt” is adjusted during a routine office visit where fluid is instilled into or removed from the port. The goal is to adjust the band to the size that allows the patient to lose about one to two pounds a week and feel full when eating solid protein.

When the band is placed during surgery, it is empty. Patients follow a very strict postoperative diet regime after surgery. This allows the band to heal in place prior to the filling of the band. Patients are seen routinely after this six week period to adjust the tightness of the band according to how fast the patient is losing weight and what they are eating. During the patient’s lifetime, he or she will need occasional fine tuning of the band to maintain the weight loss.

Maximum weight loss with the band will usually take two to three years to accomplish, which means that weight loss is slow and consistent over time if the patient adheres to the prescribed diet. Patients that continue to eat sweets after lap band surgery will be disappointed with their weight loss.

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FAQs
1. How many adjustments are necessary before I start losing weight?

2. How are the adjustments performed?

3. When do I know that I need an adjustment?

4. How much weight can I be expected to lose with the band?

5. What are some of the potential complications with lap band surgery?