What is the Lap-Band?

The LAP-BAND tool is an adjustable gastric band designed to help you lose excess body weight, improve weight-related health conditions and enhance quality of life. It reduces the stomach to where has a capactity as small as three ounces and restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The LAP-BAND procedure does not require stomach cutting and stapling or gastrointestinal re-routing to bypass normal digestion. It is the only adjustable and reversible weight-loss surgery available in the United States and the only weight-loss surgery approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration.

What information is required to qualify as a candidate for LAP-BAND surgery?

You must be between the ages of 18 and 55, and at least 100 pounds overweight, or a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 35 and 40+ to be eligible for this surgery (or a BMI of 35 with significant co-mobidity). You should be in reasonably good health and your health information should include any current or past medical problems. Patients with severe and irreversible medical problems are considered ineligible for this surgical procedure.

What is the band inflated with?

Once in position, an adjustment is done by inflating or deflating the band with a sterile saline solution through the access port located just below the skin.

Is the LAP-BAND reversabile? Is it a life-long implant or should it be removed after time?

The Lap-Band can be removed, however it is normally a life-long commitment that is intended to help keep weight off.

What are the risk factors in LAP-BAND surgery?

Any gastric operation for obesity is major surgery and carries with it the risks that would go with any complex operation. Athough the LAP-BAND procedure is minmally invasive surgery, it is not without its own risks. Infections can develop around the stomach band or at the site where the reservoir is placed under the skin. In such an event, a patient would be required to stay in the hospital a few extra days for the infection to clear. Bleeding or injury to the spleen, may require conversion to an open procedure. The access port or the band may leak and may need to be replaced. While the risk of dying during the operation is small (about 0.5 in 1,000), there is a slight risk because of either a heart attack or a life-threatening blood clot passing into.

Information provided by National Intitutes of Health.

An informational weight loss seminar will be held Oct. 14 at the Decatur Civic Center by doctors with the Fit-N-Wise Bariatric Solutions, associated with Wise Regional Health System. The seminar, which is free, begins at 10 a.m. It will discuss complete health options, including lap-band and gastric bypass surgery, for anyone who is overweight.