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Less invasive. Fewer risks.
Faster recovery.
With no cutting or stapling of the stomach, the LAP-BAND® System is up to 10 times safer than more extensive weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.1 As effective as these procedures are, the LAP-BAND® System offers fewer risks and a generally faster recovery time — so you can be back to your normal activity in usually about a week’s time.
Step by step: How it’s done
In most cases, the LAP-BAND® System is put into place during a laparoscopic procedure, using general anesthesia. The procedure is performed using long, thin instruments inserted through a few tiny incisions (usually 0.5-1.5 cm). Often done on an outpatient basis, the surgery itself typically takes about an hour.
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Step One: |
Your surgeon implants the LAP-BAND® System around the upper part of your stomach, much like a belt. |
| Step Two: |
A tube is then connected from the LAP-BAND® System to a small access port, fixed beneath the skin of your abdomen. |
| Step Three: |
After the first four to six weeks, adjustments to the LAP-BAND® System are made through the access port. This is done as needed — more frequently in the first year — to maintain optimal weight loss, by adding or removing saline solution. |
Specially certified surgeons — providing LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE®
The surgeons who perform the LAP-BAND® System procedure have been trained and certified — meeting our rigid standards for qualification. These standards include:
- Demonstrated surgical and advanced laparoscopic skills.
- Completed an Allergan training course (mandatory by the FDA).
- Performed several surgeries under the observation of an experienced LAP-BAND® System surgeon approved to “Proctor” the case.
Additionally, Allergan offers another level of certification: LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE®.
Surgeons dedicated to furthering their knowledge, experience and patient follow-up care are offered the LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE® certification program. Surgeons certified with this distinction have completed training in the following areas:
- Patient education and relationship management
- Medical requirements and assessments
- Financial requirements and sources
- The LAP-BAND® adjustable gastric banding system surgery-related issues
- Food choices and lifestyle management
- Regular adjustments and checkups
- Unsatisfactory weight loss and complications
- Whole body image
References:
- Data on file. Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA. April, 2009.
- Directions For Use (DFU). LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System with OMNIFORM® Design, Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA. 05/10. The LAP-BAND® System was approved in the United States on the basis of a nonrandomized. single-arm study (N=299). Significant improvement in percent of excess weight loss vs. baseline was achieved at 12 months (34.5%). 24 months (37.8%), and 36 months (36.2%)
- O’Brien PE, et at. Systematic review of medium-term weight loss after bariatric operations. Obes Surg. 2006;16(8):1032-1040
