Weight & Control Weight

PROCEDURES

Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the newest and the only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.

Minimally Invasive Approach
During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments rather than a large incision), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.

LapBand

Least Traumatic
Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach rerouting involved in the LAP-BAND System procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the LAP-BAND System needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.

Adjustable Treatment
The LAP-BAND System is the only adjustable weight loss surgery available in the United States. The diameter of the band is adjustable to meet your individual needs, which can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand (or loosen) their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened. To modify the size of the band, its inner part is filled with saline solution which allows inflation or deflation, therefore, making the band adjustable to the patient's weight loss needs.

Once the band is placed, the surgeon can adjust the band by tightening or loosening the inner part of the band which will cause a change in the stoma size (stomach outlet). The adjustment is done by entering the access port with a fine needle through the skin. The adjustments are preformed in the doctor's office or radiology suite in a matter of minutes and it's painless. Caution: This device is restricted to use by or on the order of a physician. The BioEnterics LAP-BAND System and accessories contain no latex or natural rubber materials. The LAP-BAND< System is Patented and Copyrighted by BioEnterics and has been approved by the FDA.