The LAP-BAND^® Device & How It Works

A true breakthrough in healthy, long-term weight loss.

Safely and effectively, the revolutionary yet simple technology behind the LAP-BAND^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System reduces the amount of food that your stomach can hold at one time. This helps you gradually lose weight and keep it off. So you can live a healthier life — for your children, your family, and yourself.

What it is

"LAP-BAND" is often incorrectly referred to as the generic name for any stomach banding procedure. However, "LAP-BAND^®" is in fact, the trademark for the original FDA approved adjustable gastric banding device manufactured and sold by Allergan, Inc.

How it works

Without any stomach cutting or stapling, the LAP-BAND^® System reduces your stomach’s capacity, restricting the amount of food you are able to eat at one time. Plus, you feel full faster and stay full longer, so you wind up eating less.

Today’s LAP-BAND AP^® System is:

• Designed for Advanced Performance: our most advanced device approved by the FDA.
• Developed in collaboration with leading bariatric surgeons, this third-generation device is built on the proven performance of the LAP-BAND^® System.
• Specially designed with our proprietary OMNIFORM^® technology — with pre-curved sections (or pillows) that conform to fit your body better, minimizing leaks due to creases or folds. This offers a 360° inflation area for an even distribution of pressure, more secure placement, and complete coverage of stomach anatomy. The result: a perfect fit right from the start.
• Designed for increased flexibility; with two sizes and a wider range of adjustments to suit your precise needs.
• Available in two sizes to allow your surgeon to choose the best option for you.

A new standard of excellence

Only the LAP-BAND^® System offers the assurance of the LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE^® program, a comprehensive set of best practices that provides training for your healthcare team with tools, information and support.

What does this mean for you, the patient? It means that your LAP-BAND^® System Bariatric team can access the LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE^® tools they need to give you the best care, information and support possible. These tools are designed to provide extra training to support surgeons and patients throughout the weight loss journey.

1. Data on File. Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA. June, 2010.
2. Directions For Use (DFU). LAP-BAND AP^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System with OMNIFORM^® Design. Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA. 05/10
3. A Surgical Aid in the Treatment of Morbid Obesity, LAP-BAND^® System Information for Patients (P/N 94829). Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA. April, 2008.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The most common operative procedure we perform for weight loss is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This is currently considered to be the "gold standard" weight loss surgical procedure.

It results in weight loss mostly by reducing the size of your stomach, so you cannot eat as much, and partly by bypassing some of your small intestines so you absorb less fatty foods. This operation is accepted by obesity surgeons and the major obesity physician societies as being the most effective in weight reduction and maintenance of weight loss.

For your insurance company, the code for this operative procedure is: CPT 43644 and the ICD-9 code for the diagnosis of morbid obesity is 278.01

We prefer performing the surgery using laparoscopic techniques, avoiding a large incision in your abdomen, however an abdominal incision is sometimes necessary based on your weight, body shape, and previous surgery.

The decision to proceed with laparoscopy versus open surgery will be made during your third clinic visit when you discuss options with your surgeon. See the picture below for an idea of the placement of incisions.

Laparoscopic or Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Procedure

The surgical procedure is only slightly different whether done with the laparoscope or as an open procedure (see figure below).

A small stomach pouch is created with a stapler device. The small intestines are then divided and one end brought up and connected o the small stomach pouch using the stapler. The intestines are reconnected as shown.

Several studies have shown that people who experience significant weight loss can develop gallstones. On the other hand, people who have, or who subsequently develop gallstones, often do not suffer any consequences or even know they have them.

Due to the required location of the trocar sites to perform the weight reduction surgery, removal of the gallbladder at the time of a roux-en-Y gastric bypass is somewhat difficult. In many cases the risk of taking the gallbladder out at the same time may well exceed any potential benefit.

For this reason, unless you currently have gallstones that are causing trouble, we do not routinely remove the gallbladder at the time of your weight loss surgery operation. If you are known to have gallstones, we will discuss the possible risks for removing it with you and use our best judgment with respect to its removal at the time of surgery.

Expected Weight Loss

Most patients lose between 80 and 140 pounds. The exact amount of weight you lose will depend on your compliance with the dietary instructions and commitment to exercise. Most of the weight is lost during the first eight months.

You will need to watch your diet very carefully after your weight stabilizes as failure to continue to restrict your intake can result in some weight regain.