UT Southwestern patients are offered laparoscopic banding as a choice to help treat obesity and related health complications. Our surgeons have experience in all types of weight-loss procedures and were the first in North Texas to offer the Lap-Band™ System.

The Lap-Band ™ System
Lap-Band™ is the abbreviated and trademarked combination of two words - "lap" from laparoscopic and "band" from gastric band. The system's silicone elastomer band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. This part of the stomach is connected to the lower part through a small outlet called a stoma. Food passes through the stoma more slowly so the patient feels full for a longer period of time.

Advantages
The main advantage of the Lap-Band™ procedure is the diameter of the band outlet is adjustable to meet your individual needs as you lose weight. The inner surface of the band is connected by tubing to a reservoir, which is placed under the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the reservoir with a fine needle through the skin. Other benefits include:

• Ease of insertion
• Shorter hospital stay
• Rapid recovery from surgery
• Major complications from surgery and the operative mortality is low

Disadvantages
The patient may have to undergo a second surgery to replace or remove the band. This occurs in up to 5 percent of patients. Indications for band removal include erosion into the stomach, band slippage with resultant vomiting, and port or tubing leakage. These complications are rarely life-threatening or emergent and can be managed laparoscopically.

Expected Results
Average weight loss is initially 10-15 percent less than following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) but long-term results appear similar and excellent results are achieved in many patients. Adherence to the prescribed eating habits is essential to long-term success.