 The newest and least invasive surgical technique is the Lap Band system.
The band is placed laparoscopically (or using "keyhole" surgery) around the upper part of the stomach thus dividing the stomach in two parts, this creates a new small stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below the band so the food storage area in the stomach is reduced, and the pouch above the band can hold only a small amount of food.
The band also controls the stomach (stomach outlet) between the two parts of the stomach, the size of the stoma regulates the flow of the food from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. When the stoma is smaller, you feel full sooner and have a feeling of satiety so you are not hungry.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure eliminates the need for drastic stomach stapling and by-pass, for normal digestion.
The Lap Band system is a silicone elastomer ring designed to be placed around the upper part of the stomach and filled with saline on the inner surface.
Advantages:
a) |
It is a surgery that, through laparoscopic procedure, is normally done rapidly, in an average time of an hour. |
b) |
It usually allows a 24 hours departure from the hospital and a recovering from seven to ten days. |
c) |
Patients can travel 2 days after the surgery. |
d) |
Cuts or resections of the stomach or intestine are not made, so the risk of leak is inexistent. |
e) |
It is completely reversible in case of retiring the band or in case of a failing results. |
f) |
It accomplishes a maximum loss of 60% of the weight excess, an average of 45 to 55% within five years |
g) |
Patients do not require taking vitamins or minerals supplements, although it can be recommendable. |
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