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Is Lap-Band® the Bariatric Surgery for Me?

February 15, 2021
Is Lap-Band® the Bariatric Surgery for Me?

Is it time to take a step forward in your weight-loss journey? If traditional weight-loss methods—like healthy eating plans and exercise regimens—have not helped you lose weight, it may be time to look into bariatric options, such as the Lap-Band® Program. If you’re wondering if the program is right for you, learn more about who the program is designed for and the qualifications needed to receive the procedure. 

Is it Right for Me? 

The Lap-Band Program is a weight-loss tool, not a cure. After the procedure, your Lap-Band Specialist and support team will provide tips to help you adapt to your new lifestyle and to help you find success. The Lap-Band Procedure is performed laparoscopically and with minimal scarring. A silicone band is placed at the top of the stomach, resulting in constant, yet gentle pressure. This allows patients to eat less yet feel fuller both faster and longer. Patients are able to lose weight gradually and maintain their weight-loss long-term. The band can be adjusted as needed—saline solution is added or removed—if weight-loss slows or a patient becomes pregnant and needs to adjust their food intake. 

Lap-Band Qualifications

Individuals that wish to proceed with the Lap-Band Program are required to meet certain criteria. This includes: 

  • A BMI of at least 35 kg/m² OR a BMI of least 30 kg/m² with one or more comorbid conditions
  • 14 years of age or older
  • A history of failed weight-loss attempts

Individuals that decide to pursue the Lap-Band program must also commit to making the major life changes required to find success with the program. 

There is also a list of health conditions that may make you ineligible to proceed with the Lap-Band Program because they make causes risks or complications. For instance, if your weight gain is caused by a serious health condition, you will not qualify for the procedure. Conditions like cirrhosis, Crohn’s disease, portal hypertension, chronic pancreatitis, alcoholism, and drug addiction may also make you ineligible to have the procedure. 

What are My Other Options? 

Gastric banding is a popular option for many people, but there are other bariatric procedures available, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. With these procedures, the anatomy is altered. The stomach is cut, the intestines rerouted, or the stomach stapled. The Lap-Band Program is an attractive option because it is reversible and non-anatomy altering, whereas the other procedures are not. 

If it’s time to take the next step and learn more about the Lap-Band Procedure, speak with a specialist now. 

Important LAP-BAND® System Safety Information

Indications: The LAP-BAND AP® Systems is indicated for use in weight reduction for severely obese patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 35 or a BMI of at least 30 with one or more severe comorbid conditions, or those who are 100 pounds or more over their estimated ideal weight according to the 1983 Metropolitan Life Insurance Tables (use the midpoint for medium frame). It is indicated for use only in severely obese patients 14 years and older who have failed more conservative weight-reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives. Weight loss associated with the LAP-BAND® System has been shown to improve or lead to remission of type 2 diabetes in patients with BMI greater than or equal to 35.

Contraindications: The LAP-BAND® AP System is not recommended for patients under 14, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results (e.g., inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, cirrhosis), who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, who have alcohol or drug addictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

Warnings: The LAP-BAND® AP System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND® AP System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Band slippage, erosion and deflation, reflux, obstruction of the stomach, dilatation of the oesophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or oesophageal dilatation.

Important: For full safety information please click here, talk with your doctor.


References:
1. O'Brien, Annemarie Hindle, Leah Brennan, Stewart Skinner, Paul Burton, et al. "Long-Term Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Weight Loss at 10 or More Years for All Bariatric Procedures and a Single-Centre Review of 20-Year Outcomes After Adjustable Gastric Banding." Obesity Surgery. The Journal of Metabolic Surgery and Allied Care. Published online: 06 October 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-018-3525-0
2. Data on File: ReShape Lifesciences Inc.

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