Some Insights into the Advantages of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding or Lap Band Surgery

For patients struggling with obesity, doctors may recommend bariatric surgery to help with weight loss.  In this blog series hosted by Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, we discuss one of the lowest risk bariatric surgeries available today, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or lap band surgery.  Please see our previous article for a broad overview of this weight loss surgery.  In this article, we examine some of the advantages of lap band surgery, a procedure offered by Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and colleagues at the NYU Langone Weight Management Program.  

Lap Band Surgery

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is an attractive bariatric surgery option because it is minimally invasive, reversible, and carries the lowest risk compared to other weight loss surgeries.

During lap band surgery, the surgeon places an inflatable band near the top of the stomach.  When the band is inflated, it gently cinches the stomach to form a smaller pouch.  The opening between this pouch and the rest of the stomach is adjusted during office visits using a port also inserted during surgery.

Lap band surgery only requires a few small incisions since it is performed laparoscopically.  Aside from the addition of the lap band, the stomach and small intestine are left completely intact.  Surgeries such as gastric bypass involve significant changes to both, leading to longer surgery times, lengthier recovery, and greater risks of complications.

Research also indicates that addition of the lap band does not alter nutrient absorption as gastric bypass and other surgeries do.  The smaller stomach pouch helps reduce appetite, but the remainder of the stomach and small intestines are still functional.  Because of this, the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies is low in the years after the procedure compared to patients who choose other types of weight loss surgery.

What to Expect After Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss is slower after lap band surgery than gastric bypass and some of the more extensive procedures.  Patients still report steady loss of 1-2 pounds per week, potentially losing 100 pounds during the year after the procedure.  Many patients find the benefits of dealing with an easier recovery and lower risk of complications well worth the longer wait.

Sustained weight loss following surgery depends on periodic adjustments of the lap band.  During follow-up visits, the doctor will gradually inflate the band, reducing the size of the stomach opening with each “fill.”  The size of the opening and how well materials pass through it can be monitored via x-ray fluoroscope.  The patient should also communicate any symptoms or undesirable changes, such as weight gain.  The lap band can be removed laparoscopically to reverse the procedure if it is no longer wanted or needed.

Patients are also prescribed a special diet after bariatric surgery.  These new eating habits in conjunction with a more active lifestyle can help patients continue losing weight over time.

Consultations with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding is committed to helping patients achieve and sustain healthy weight loss.  If you have a BMI greater than 40 and have had trouble sustaining weight loss other ways, you may be an excellent candidate for bariatric surgery.  Please call the the NYU Langone Weight Management Program for an evaluation by Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and her colleagues.