Adjustable Gastric Banding

(Lap Band, Realize Band)

Adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive type of weight loss surgery. Currently there are two types of gastric bands are on the market in the United States: the Lap-Band and the Realize Band Adjustable Gastric Band.

Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Band

The Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Band was introduced in the United States during clinical trials that were under FDA review. The Lap-Band System was approved for wide distribution by the FDA in 2001. According to the manufacturer of the Lap-Band they have been placed in obesity patients worldwide.

Realize Adjustable Gastric Band

The Realize Adjustable Gastric Band is received approval from the FDA in 2007. Similar to the Lap-Band, the Realize Band is a restrictive type of weight loss surgery developed in Sweden in 1985. It was originally called the Swedish Band.

How Adjustable Gastric Banding Works

Adjustable gastric banding involves placing a silicone band which can be inflated by injecting sterile saline into a subcutaneous port. Inflating the band restricts the passage of food into and through the stomach and reduces the amount that a person needs to eat in order to feel full. Weight loss occurs because people get full much faster, therefore less food is ingested. The Gastric Band is inflated in an outpatient setting in established increments over a period of time to provide continued weight loss. Weight loss results average 60% of excess weight at 2-3 years.

Gastric Banding Surgery Benefits

  1. Can be placed laparoscopically
  2. Short operation.
  3. It is adjustable and reversible.
  4. Slow and steady weight loss
  5. Weight loss is gradual which can decrease formation of gallstones
  6. Nutritional deficiencies are deficiencies are less likely because malabsorption does not occur.
  7. Improves health problems including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma and sleep apnea.

Gastric Banding Surgery Risks

  1. Injury to the stomach
  2. Bleeding, blood clots
  3. The band can become infected which would require re-operation for removal.
  4. The band can “slip” which would require further surgery to correct.
  5. The band may erode into the stomach.
  6. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)
  7. Death (1 in 2000)

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