University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity

Advantages

Why Choose the Gastric Band Option?

The LAP-BAND® System has been placed more than 200,000 times worldwide and has numerous advantages.

Minimal Trauma

• Least invasive surgical option
• No intestinal re-routing
• No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel
• Small incisions and minimal scarring
• Reduced patient pain, length of hospital stay and recovery period

Read more about how LAP-BAND® surgery works.

Fewer Risks and Side Effects

• Significantly lower mortality risk compared to other obesity surgeries
• Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
• Reduced risk of hair loss
• No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions

Read more about LAP-BAND® surgery risks.

 Adjustable

• Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss rate
• Adjustments performed without additional surgery
• Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs

Read more about LAP-BAND® adjustments.

Reversible

• Removable at any time
• Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms and functions  

Effective Long-Term Weight Loss

• Comparable resolution of co-morbidities such as diabetes and high blood pressure when compared with gastric bypass surgery
• Over 50 percent of excess weight loss maintained at the five year post-surgery mark