About the Surgery
Appalachian Regional Healthcare offers laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding as part of our comprehensive program to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Adjustable gastric banding was approved in 2001 by the FDA for the treatment of morbid obesity. Gastric banding is a “restrictive” form of bariatric surgery. Restrictive bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach is able to hold. It differs from other forms of bariatric surgery, like gastric bypass, which reduce the absorption of calories and nutrients in your digestive system.
Gastric banding limits the amount of food you can eat through the use of a band placed around the upper part of the stomach, reducing the functional size of the stomach to that of an egg. Although functionally similar to vertical banded gastroplasty (stomach stapling), bariatric banding uses no staples, instead it uses a small, adjustable silicone ring.
Unlike gastric bypass, banding does not change the anatomy of the digestive process or reduce calorie or nutrient absorption in the digestive system. Moreover, the banding operation can be reversed.
The two most widely used adjustable gastric banding (AGB) systems are the LAP-BAND and the REALIZE Band. The gastric bands in these cases are inflatable silicone prosthetic devices (bands) which give the medical staff the ability to change the diameter of the stomach. Increasing the diameter alleviates vomiting, reducing the diameter further limits food intake.
One of the great things about adjustable gastric banding is that it can be performed laparoscopically, meaning that it does not require a large incision. Laparoscopic surgery is generally safer, reduces hospital stay, reduces pain at the incision site and the number of incisional hernias.
The LAP-BAND AP® System
The LAP-BAND AP® System uses patented Omniform technology—soft, precurved, individual sections—and introduces a 360 degree inflation area. Omniform technology is designed to minimize the potential for leaks due to unwanted creases or folds (crease-fold failure). At the same time, the 360 degree inflation area evenly distributes pressure for complete coverage of stomach anatomy. The LAP-BAND AP® System also has the highest available fill volume so your surgeon has the flexibility to offer more precise adjustments.
Click here to watch our LAP-BAND video.
The REALIZE Band
The REALIZE Band was designed and developed with your safety and comfort in mind. The band is a strong, flexible silicone structure made entirely of biocompatible materials. With the REALIZE Band, weight loss occurs at a natural and healthy rate — ranging from 1-2 pounds per week.