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Pregnancy and the Lap-Band®

November 18, 2020
Pregnancy and the Lap-Band®

If you have had the Lap-Band® Procedure or you are hoping to have it done, you may be wondering if you can become pregnant with the gastric band, or if it will need to be removed during pregnancy. The good news is that having the Lap-Band during pregnancy is safe. Let’s learn a little more about pregnancy and the Lap-Band. 

Non-Anatomy Altering

One of the main benefits of the Lap-Band is that it is a non-anatomy altering procedure. That means that there is no rerouting of the stomach or intestines. The procedure is performed laparoscopically and the band can be removed. It can also be easily adjusted. Some women choose to have their bands adjusted when they become pregnant, rather than removing the Lap-Band altogether. It is not recommended to have the band removed, as that can cause individuals to gain back the weight they lost.

Pregnancy and the Lap-Band

Studies show that losing weight can help people with their fertility. Pregnant women do not need to have their bands removed. However, because individuals typically lose most of their weight within the first year of having the procedure, experts do not recommend becoming pregnant immediately following the procedure. Lap-Band Patients should instead wait approximately one or two years following the procedure, when their weight is more stable. 

Portion Control 

During pregnancy, there is a misconception that women should “eat for two” and double their food intake. During the first trimester, women do not need to eat more. During the second trimester, they should consume about 1,400 kilojoules extra and in the third trimester, about 1,900 kilojoules extra. This equates to approximately one small-sized meal per day. Some women may choose to loosen their bands during pregnancy to allow for the extra kilojoules. The Lap-Band can help with portion control during pregnancy. Pregnant women should speak with their doctors about the best option for their pregnancy and their Lap-Band. 

If you have any questions, please contact us. 

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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