LAPARASCOPIC ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BANDING – The LAP-BAND® System

Dr. Billy is among the elite and few of bariatric surgeons in the country who both specialize in this procedure and is a valued member of the teaching faculty in the LAP-BAND System. The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is designed to help you lose excess body weight, improve weight-related health conditions and enhance quality of life. It reduces the stomach capacity and restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. This procedure does not require any cutting, stapling or re-routing of the intestines and is reversible. The LAP-BAND® can be adjusted to suit your situation and can be removed if necessary.

The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System was the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved adjustable gastric band for use in weight reduction. Used in more than 300,000 procedures worldwide, this simple reversible surgically implanted device has safely helped severely obese adults successfully achieve and maintain long-term weight loss. The LAP-BAND® System was approved by the FDA in June 2001 for severely obese adults. Dr. Billy has been performing this procedure since its 2001 FDA approval.

During the procedure an inflatable silicone band is inserted into the patient’s abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.

Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in adjustable gastric banding, it is considered the safest and least traumatic compared to other weight-loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain and quicker recovery. If for any reason the LAP-BAND® System needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.

Laparascopic adjustable gastric banding is also the only adjustable weight-loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren’t experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.

To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with a saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to an access port, which is placed well below the skin during surgery. After the operation, Dr. Billy and his staff will expect to see his patients regularly and each visit there will be a determination if an adjustment to the band will be made. Dr. Billy can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the port with a fine needle through the skin. Clinically, we call this office visit a “fill”.

Your Own Personal Guide Through the LAP-BAND® Journey
Making a positive, life-changing weight loss decision is a big commitment, and My LAP-BAND® Journey is there for you every step of the way. Your personalized My LAP-BAND® Journey lets you track your goals, monitor your changing body measurements, activities and even your moods, as often as you like. With My LAP-BAND® Journey you choose how to track your progress and achievements. My LAP-BAND Journey

To view a video of the procedure, click here.