How is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LapBand) performed?
LapBand surgery works by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. Like gastric bypass, it is performed laparoscopically by AtlantiCare surgeons. The procedure is considered a less invasive form of weight loss surgery. The procedure involves placing a silicone band around the top part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that fills quickly and gives the patient an early sense of fullness when eating. The band contains a reservoir that may be adjusted through a port located just beneath the skin. By adding or removing solution to/from the reservoir, the surgeon can increase or decrease the tightness of the band – regulating the amount of food that can be taken in. The surgeon’s ability to adjust the band’s tension helps ensure that desirable weight loss levels are achieved.
