LAP-BAND^® Surgery

The LAP-BAND^® System obtained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2001; subsequently, in 2011 the FDA expanded its use to patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m² or BMI ≥30 kg/m² with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. The LAP-BAND^® System consists of a hollow silicone band, tubing, and an access port. This is a reversible system, allowing some flexibility by physician and patient in customizing one's stomach capacity to his/her weight loss needs.

LAP-BAND^® Surgery - How It Works

An adjustable band is placed around the top of the stomach like a belt, creating a 1-2 ounce pouch above the band. A port implanted under the skin near the belly button is used to inflate a balloon inside the band with saline, thereby narrowingthe entry to the stomach and limiting the amount of food that can be consumed.

Ideal Candidate for LAP-BAND^® Surgery

• Has a BMI ≥40 kg/m² or BMI ≥30 kg/m² with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions
• Wants to lose between 50-100 pounds
• Is not comfortable with stapling procedures
• Can maintain a post-operative diet <1,500 calories/day

Benefits of LAP-BAND^® Surgery

• One-hour procedure and same day or next day hospital discharge
• Safest and least invasive procedure; fewer early risks than other procedures
• Fully reversible / removable
• Lowest risk of vitamin deficiencies
• Recovery time ranges from a few days to a few weeks
• Most insurance plans cover procedure

Considerations / Risks for LAP-BAND^® Surgery

• Average excess weight loss is 50%
• Potential complications include band slippage, erosion, breakage, prolapse and infection
• 10-year removal or reoperation rate is approximately 25%
• Provides slower weight loss (1-2 pounds per week) than other procedures
• Appetite suppression and a comfortable feeling of fullness may be difficult to achieve
• Least effective for resolving chronic, insulin-dependent diabetes

Banding Versus Stapling Procedures

Choosing a weight loss procedure can be a difficult decision. We offer many gastric banding (of which the LAP-BAND^® is one type of surgery) and stapling procedures to meet the varying needs of our patients. Our medical team will assist in helping you make an informed decision based on:

• How much weight you need to lose
• Your health status, including diabetes and other metabolic-related conditions and their severity
• Your understanding and comfort level with the procedure and its associated risks
• Insurance or other financial considerations
• What kind of support you will need following surgery

Banding and stapling procedures are similar in some ways and differ dramatically in others. All bariatric procedures (including LAP-BAND^® surgery) are done laparoscopically—a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses fewer than five small incisions and is associated with fewer complications, quicker recovery times and less visible scars.

About Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

Consult a Top Bariatric Surgeon

Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, part of the Sutter Health network, offers bariatric surgery for weight loss. Our team performs surgery at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC). Procedures include gastric bypass, gastric banding with LAP-BAND^® or REALIZE^® and stomach stapling procedures. Our weight loss surgeon performs bariatric, gastroenterology and endocrine surgery on patients from San Francisco Bay Area cities including San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Oakland, Walnut Creek, and beyond.

San Francisco Weight Loss, GI & Endocrine Surgery Office (MAP)
1375 Sutter Street, Ste 208, San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel. 415-923-3200 Fax. 415-923-3205

Marin Weight Loss, GI & Endocrine Surgery Office
101 Rowland Way, Ste 220, Novato, CA 94595
Tel. 415-923-3200 Fax. 415-923-3205