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Lap Band Surgery

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> About the Laparoscopic Adjustable Band

> Lap Band vs. Lap Gastric Bypass

> Which Procedure is Best for You?

> Is Fianancing Available for the Lap Band?

> What Are the Long-Term Results for the Band?

> Three Important Considerations Prior to Chosing a Lap Band Surgeon

> Getting Started

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:

47.9% of Type 2 diabetes cases are resolved.
Significant improvements in overall cholesterol levels (including an increase in HDL levels). 70.8% of hypertension cases are resolved or improved.
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.)
Band can be adjusted more tightly or less tightly through the access port (no more surgery) to help attain the proper weight-loss goals.
Procedure can be reversed.

Lap Band vs. Lap Gastric Bypass

	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

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.

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.

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.

Getting Started

Trusted, professional help with your weight-management issues is just one click or a phone call away. To contact us, simply:

Call our toll-free number:
E-mail us: info@bypassdoc.com
Complete our online contact form
Attend one of our free seminars
We offer convenient locations for lap band surgery throughout San Antonio in addition to Austin, Corpus Christi, Laredo, and other South Texas locations.