Is the LAP-BAND^® Right for You?

The prevalence of medically severe morbid obesity (defined as 100 or more pounds overweight or a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m²) is increasing rapidly in the developing world. Obesity will soon become the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., overtaking cigarette smoking.

Non-surgical treatment in individuals with severe obesity has been shown to provide little long-term success in weight reduction. Thus, surgery offers an alternative for the morbidly obese to help control their weight problem. The most common procedure performed in the U.S. today is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. It is a well established procedure with good long term results. However, gastric bypass has a mortality rate approaching 1% and an early complication rate as high as 10% even when handled by an experienced surgeon.

About the LAP-BAND^®

The LAP-BAND^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System has a greater than ten year record of success in Europe and Australia. In America, the LAP-BAND^® has also shown promising results. The main advantage of the LAP-BAND^® is safety, with a 0.2% mortality rate and a 3 to 5% early complication rate. The LAP-BAND^® system is an effective treatment for morbid obesity and can help you achieve lasting results by limiting food intake, reducing appetite, and slowing digestion. It is important to understand that the patient plays an active role in the weight loss process and ultimate success of the procedure. LAP-BAND^® patients should expect gradual weight loss, approximately 1-2 pounds per week on average over the first year. Individual weight loss results will vary.

Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND®)

The LAP-BAND^® operation is performed through 4 or 5 tiny incisions. An inflatable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach which divides it into two unequal parts. The upper part acts as the new stomach, restricting food intake and promoting weight loss (see illustration). The Band is connected to a plastic reservoir or "port" which can be filled with fluid (saline solution). The port is placed beneath the skin on the abdominal wall for easy access. Inflation of the Band is accomplished by injecting small amounts of saline into the port. Inflations begin about 6 weeks after Band placement and are continued periodically until patients feel satiated of "full" after eating small amounts of solid food. The operation itself lasts about an hour and patients usually return home the following day. Most patients resume normal activity within ten days.

The LAP-BAND^® is also a reversible procedure. Therefore, in the uncommon circumstance in which problems with the Band develop, it can be removed through the same tiny incisions.

Patients of the LAP-BAND^® procedure typically lose between 1-2 pounds per week on average. Currently published studies reveal that patients can lose as much as 50% of their excess body weight and maintain their weight loss long term. Conversely, the gastric bypass often removes 65-70% of a patient's excess weight within one year, with very few early failures. A few LAP-BAND^® patients will lose very little weight. However, compliant patients with the LAP-BAND^® can have excellent results which compare well with other anti-obesity procedures at only a fraction of the risk.

Are you a candidate for the LAP-BAND^®?

You may be eligible for the LAP-BAND^® surgery system if:

1. You are at least 18 years old.
   
   
2. You weigh at least twice your ideal weight or are at least 100 pounds more than your ideal weight.
   
   
3. You have been overweight for more than five years.
   
   
4. Your serious weight loss attempts have had only short term success.
   
   
5. You are not suffering from another disease that may have caused your obesity.
   
   
6. You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle, and to continue being monitored by the specialist treating you.
   
   
7. You do not drink alcohol in excess.
   
   

Benefits of the LAP-BAND^®

• Least invasive bariatric surgical procedure
  
  
• No cutting or rerouting of the intestines
  
  
• Lowest mortality rate of all bariatric operations
  
  
• Low risk of nutritional deficiencies
  
  
• Adjustability and reversibility
  
  
• Generally good weight maintenance in compliant patients
  
  

The LAP-BAND^® requires frequent follow up because patients require adjustments of the band. This is how the band restricts food intake. Patients are advised to follow up regularly for their band adjustments. Moreover, regular follow up visits often result in a better weight loss outcome. It is common for patients to require eight or more adjustments during the first year after the band is placed.

The LAP-BAND^® and You

The LAP-BAND^® System is a simple yet innovative tool to help you achieve a healthier, happier life. However, your motivation and commitment to adopt a new lifestyle are extremely important for long term weight loss. New eating habits must be adopted and exercise is an equally important component of a changed lifestyle. Adequate exercise will not only help you in the battle against excess weight, but it will also benefit your general health and well-being.

Dr. Wai Yip Chau, Associate surgeon of New Jersey Bariatrics, P.C., is certified to perform the LAP-BAND^® surgery and has considerable experience with the procedure. We encourage you to call (732)274-3434 to learn more about this promising new procedure and discover if the LAP-BAND^® is right for you.