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The LAP-BAND® procedure, or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery, is the second most common weight loss surgery performed in the U.S., second only to gastric bypass surgery.

Compared to gastric bypass, LAP-BAND® surgery is considered less extreme and minimally invasive because:

• Surgical incisions are small.

• There is no rerouting of the digestive system and no change in the way calories are absorbed by the body.

• There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach.

• There is less pain after surgery from incisions.

• Typically, the hospital stay is shorter.

• There is a quicker recovery time from the surgery.

• If the LAP-BAND® System ever needs to be removed, the stomach usually returns to its original form.

How LAP-BAND® Works

During a LAP-BAND® procedure, a surgeon uses a laparoscopic technique to implant a flexible, silicone-based band on the patient's stomach. Much like a watch placed around a wrist, the band is wrapped around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach and a tiny outlet for food to empty from the upper pouch into the lower part of the stomach and intestines.

The band restricts the amount of food a patient can eat any at one time to less than four ounces. The small pouch makes a person feel fuller faster, and the small size of the stomach outlet slows digestion. All of this combines to make a patient feel satisfied with just a small amount of food, which then leads to significant weight loss.

Adjustable and Reversible Treatment

The LAP-BAND® System is an adjustable weight loss solution. That means the diameter of the band can be adjusted to a customized width depending on a patient’s weight loss needs. For instance, a patient who is not losing weight as expected can have the band tightened.

The size of the band is changed by inflating or deflating the inner surface with saline solution. The saline solution is administered via needle by a doctor through an access port beneath the patient's skin.

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If you are interested in learning more about the LAP-BAND® System or other weight loss surgical options in the Los Angeles, California area, please contact renowned weight loss surgeon Dr. Carson Liu today to discuss your specific situation.

Lapband is a registered trademark owned by Allergan, Inc.