LAP-BAND

The loss of hunger between meals and becoming full sooner is the principle upon which the LAP-BAND^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System functions. It is adjustable and can be tailored to your needs and progress. Since the procedure is performed laparoscopically with small incisions, you will usually be able to go home several hours after the surgery. Most individuals can return to work in one to three weeks, and will eventually be able to eat solid foods. The easily performed procedure does not require cutting or rerouting of the stomach and intestines. In two to three years, the results in weight loss are very similar to traditional gastric bypass procedures.

How It Works 

The LAP-BAND^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is a simple yet advanced gastric banding system that helps you gradually lose and control your weight by reducing the amount of food that your stomach can hold at one time. Allergan is the pioneer of adjustable gastric banding in the United States - this is a constantly evolving technology, involving a great deal of research and development.

The name "LAP-BAND" comes from the minimally invasive surgical technique used (laparoscopy) and the silicone gastric band placed around the top of the upper part of your stomach. The LAP-BAND^® System works by helping you control your food intake and supporting long term, sustainable weight loss.

The LAP-BAND AP^® System

The latest generation of the LAP-BAND^® System - the LAP-BAND AP^® System - is the most advanced adjustable gastric banding system approved by the FDA and was built on a proven heritage of effective laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding technology.

The LAP-BAND AP^® System uses patented Omniform™ technology—soft, precurved, individual sections—and introduces a 360 degree inflation area. Omniform™ technology is designed to minimize the potential for leaks due to unwanted creases or folds (crease-fold failure). At the same time, the 360 degree inflation area evenly distributes pressure for complete coverage of stomach anatomy. The LAP-BAND AP^® System also has the highest available fill volume so your surgeon has the flexibility to offer more precise adjustments.

The LAP-BAND AP^® System was designed to extend the proven performance of the LAP-BAND^® System.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Minimally invasive surgical approach
• No intestinal re-routing, cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel as with gastric bypass
• Often performed on an out-patient basis
• Small incisions and minimal scarring
• Reduced post-surgical pain, shorter hospital stay and recovery time
• Return to work/normal activities typically within a week

Fewer Risks and Side Effects

• Ten times lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass¹
• Low risk of post-surgical nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
• Reduced risk of hair loss
• No "dumping syndrome" (food passes through the system too fast resulting in severe cramping/digestive disruption) related to dietary intake restrictions

Adjustable

• Allows for personalized steady, healthy rate of weight loss
• No additional surgery for adjustments
• Supports pregnancy by allowing for increased nutritional needs
• Surgical weight loss option specifically designed for long term weight maintenance

Effective Long Term Weight Loss

• More than 450,000 LAP-BAND^® System devices distributed worldwide
• #1 selling adjustable gastric band for weight loss worldwide
• Over ten years of medical studies and academic publications follow-up
• Sets the "gold standard" of care for obesity treatment for hundreds of surgeons world-wide

Reversible

• While it is intended to be a long-term treatment, the LAP-BAND® System can be removed at any time, in some cases laparoscopically
• Stomach and other anatomy typically return to their original state/functions