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What Is It
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The
LapBandTM
is the newest and simplest surgical weight loss
procedure. Approved for use in the United Sates by the
FDA in June of 2001, the LapBand has been in use in
Europe, Central America, and Australia since the early
1990s. In addition to being simple to place, it is fully
adjustable to allow an optimal weight loss for each
individual patient |
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The
band, which is actually a silastic (plastic) balloon
that looks like a belt, is wrapped around the top of
the stomach and secured in place with sutures. The
band serves three functions:
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to
limit the amount of food that is consumed
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to
delay emptying of the new small pouch and
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to
create the sensation of being “full” all of the time
so that the desire to eat is decreased.
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The band
is connected to a reservoir which sits under the skin on
the abdominal wall. Saline solution (salt water) can
either be added or removed from the reservoir to make
the band tighter or looser. This allows each patient to
have an individualized weight loss program which can be
customized to their personal situation.
The
procedure is performed laparoscopically and takes
approximately 30–40 minutes. Following the procedure,
patients generally only need to stay in the hospital 1
night (less than 24 hours!).
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