| About
the Laparoscopic Adjustable Band |
 The
laparoscopic adjustable band procedure (or “lap
band”) is quickly growing in popularity and demand
throughout the United States for many reasons, including:
relative ease of placement, reversibility, affordability,
and the perception that it’s safer than many other
procedures. Simply stated, a doctor
performing this procedure places an adjustable band
around the stomach just below where the esophagus and
stomach connect. The band is then adjusted through a
port that lies just beneath the skin. Once in place,
it divides the stomach into a large section and a small
section, and has the effect of making the person feel
“fuller” much more quickly than normal.
Food is digested normally but less food is eaten because
you feel “full” quicker; therefore the patient
begins to lose weight.
 
The lap band is an affordable
and effective alternative to more costly procedures
such as the laparoscopic gastric bypass. Although relatively
new in the United States, it has obtained good results
for patients in Australia, Europe and Mexico. According
to a 2004 bariatrics article in the Journal of the
American Medical Association, the procedure’s
many advantages include:
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47.9% of Type
2 diabetes cases are resolved. |
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Significant improvements in
overall cholesterol levels (including an increase
in HDL levels). |
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70.8% of hypertension cases
are resolved or improved. |
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Loss of an average of 47% in
excess body weight. (According to studies of over
3,000 patients the weight loss ranged from 28%
to 87%, with a minimum of two-year, post-operative
follow-up.) |
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Band can be adjusted more tightly
or less tightly through the access port (no more
surgery) to help attain the proper weight-loss
goals. |
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Procedure can be reversed. |
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| Lap
Band vs. Lap Gastric Bypass |
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Lap Band |
Lap Gastric Bypass |
| Insurance coverage (if weight-loss surgery is
covered benefit) |
Most of the time |
Always |
| Out-of-pocket cost if not covered by insurance |
$13,000 to $18,000 |
$17,000 to $25,000 |
| Reversibility |
Complete with >90% weight regain |
Incomplete |
| Mortality rate (varies by surgeon and individual
patient) |
<0.5% |
<0.5% |
| Leak rate |
<0.5% |
<1% |
| Re-operation rate |
10% to 50% |
2% to 6% |
| Lifestyle impairment |
Significant |
Mild |
| Appetite suppression |
Mild |
Significant |
| Durability of Operation |
10 year American data not known yet |
Durable >10 year data available |
| Follow-up requirements |
Vigorous; every 2 months for 1st year |
More spaced out & less intense |
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| Which
Procedure is Best for You? |
This question can really only be answered by you after
consulting a qualified surgeon offering both the laparoscopic
gastric band and the laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures.
Why? Most surgeons experienced only in gastric bypass
surgery will be hesitant to fully endorse the gastric
band since gastric bypass is presently the “gold
standard” procedure in the United States. But
that will change as more patients choose the lap band.
Moreover, in many situations the lap band should be
favored; for example, when a patient doesn't’t
have a lot of weight to lose, suffers from inflammatory
bowel disease, or is an adolescent.
Please take a moment
today and schedule a consultation with us. Allow us
to help you choose the most appropriate, life-changing
procedure for your individual circumstances. |
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| What
Are the Long-Term Results of the Lap Band? |
The long-term results of
the band are based on studies from outside of the United
States. The band has not had FDA approval for greater
than 10 years in the United States. Early results demonstarate
that the best weight-loss is seen in patients who have
less than 100lbs to lose. As such several insurance
companies will not even cover the band if a patient's
BMI exceeds 50kg/m2.
Intermediate data suggests that the band is vulnerable
to the long-term "wear" associated with a
foreign body implanted inside of you. Risks include
erosion of the band into your esophagus
or stomach, the band slipping out
of position or the port and tubing malfunctioning. All
of these complications would require a second operation.
The rate of re-operation at 5-10 years is estimated
at 15-35%.
These results are why many surgeons feel that the band
is still somewhat experimental or "emerging technology."
The Swedish band ( J&J band) is soon to be introduced
into the United States and the second generation American
(Inamed) band has just recently been released. Time
will tell as to the advantages of these newer devices.
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| Three
Important Considerations Prior to Chosing a Lap Band Surgeon |
- Where can you get your fills done? Chosing
a surgeon not local to you will result in sporadic
results as you are less likely to drive long distances
to get a "fill." We offer fills in Corpus,
San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Baytown, Beaumont and
soon in Laredo
- Are support groups offered locally? Local
support is very important as well. Bands are based
on behavioural changes. Support groups play a critical
role in identifying and making these changes. We offer
support groups in Corpus, Austin and San Antonio.
- What does the price cover? When considering
paying cash, make sure fills and support groups are
covered in your package. Local care as noted above
are priceless as immediate savings may accure long
term expenses for travel for fills and finding support
on your own. Our network of clinics and local services
is unmatched by any group in South Texas.
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| Getting
Started |
Trusted,
professional help with your weight-management issues
is just one click or a phone call away. To contact us,
simply: |
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Call our toll-free
number: 1-877-TX-PATEL |
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We offer convenient locations
for lap band surgery throughout San Antonio in
addition to Austin,
Corpus
Christi, Laredo, and other South Texas locations.
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