Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band)

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits the amount of food the person can eat by making them feel full after eating small amounts of food. After surgery, the doctor can adjust the band to make food pass more slowly or quickly through the stomach.

Pros

• Outpatient surgery
• Low complication rate
• Reversible and adjustable
• No division of stomach
• No nutrient deficiency because the intestine absorbs normally

  
Cons

• Least amount of weight loss (40% excess in first year)
• Frequent adjustments necessary
• Eat most unnaturally (Food catches in band and/or experience vomiting)
• Highest rate of mechanical complications (Nationally: 10-15% removal rate and climbing)

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