Laparoscopic, adjustable gastric banding is a relatively new weight loss tool to help individuals lose weight. The Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, or CUMC, describes it as a minimally invasive procedure that places a restrictive band around the stomach. This helps the patient to gradually lose weight and keep it off by decreasing food intake.The stomach remains intact so no loss of digestion or absorption occurs.
History
According to Lapband.com, the LAP-BAND system was the first gastric banding system available in the United States and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2001. Prior to its release in the U.S., the band was used in Europe and was approved for U.S. clinical trials with its first patent in 1990. In 2006, LAP-BAND users exceeded 100,000 and as of November of 2009, more than 550,000 people have had it placed.
How It Works
The gastric band works by decreasing intake by limiting the amount of food that can be held by the stomach. This likewise reduces appetite and slows digestion, according to CUMC. By placing a small band at the top of the stomach, the stomach is then divided into a smaller pouch above the band and a large pouch below the band. The amount of food eaten is limited by the smaller pouch and results in fullness after eating a small amount.
Adjustment
A few months after surgery, the gastric band will need to be adjusted to control the amount of food that passes from the smaller pouch to the larger one. Multiple adjustments may need to be made depending on results. Adding extra saline to the pouch will tighten the band and restrict food intake further thereby increasing weight loss. Band adjustment is a unique feature of gastric banding, according to CUMC, and is part of a normal follow-up.
Weight Loss Results
CUMC states that the expected weight loss from gastric banding is 40 to 60 percent over a period of two years. LAP-BAND.com explains that LAP-BAND patients averaged up to a 59 percent reduction in excess weight, and kept it off for eight years as of 2010. Also, less lean muscle mass and bone mass is lost with gastric banding when compared to gastric bypass, which indicates an increased loss of fat.
Benefits
When compared to other weight loss tools, the gastric band is the only one that is adjustable and removable, according to CUMC. Removing it is not common, however, with most people opting to keep the band for life unless there are complications. The gastric band also does not require a part of the stomach or intestines to be cut so anatomy is not altered and absorption is not affected. Also, the gastric band requires only a short hospital stay.
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