How Lap-Band Surgery Works
Lap-Band surgery helps you achieve sustainable weight loss.
You lose weight and keep it off because:
- it limits how much you can eat
- reduces your appetite
- slows down your digestion
The Lap-Band is made out of silastic – a material used in many other medical devices such as catheters, pacemaker leads, tubing and wound dressings. As a medical material, it has been subjected to rigorous scientific testing. Silastic is an ideal material because it does not break down or deteriorate over time and can be safely left inside the body for life.
During your laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon places the Lap-Band around the upper stomach. The Lap-Band controls the opening between the two parts of the stomach and creates a small upper stomach pouch, with the larger part of the stomach below the band. Your new, small upper stomach only holds a small amount of food at a time, making you feel full sooner while eating less.
The Lap-Band (which can be adjusted) creates a narrow passage from your upper stomach to your lower stomach. Because it's narrow, food takes longer to pass through it and to be digested. This means you feel full longer with less food and you don't feel hungry between meals.
Want to see the Lap-Band in action?
The Lap-Band is fully adjustable
The Lap-Band provides completely customized weight loss because it is fully and easily adjustable. The band attaches to tubing which is connected to a port that lies under the skin and fat of the abdominal wall. The Lap-Band is sutured to the muscle of the abdominal wall – deep beneath your skin. It cannot be seen.
If your Lap-Band is too tight or too loose (i.e. you are losing weight too quickly or not fast enough), it can be adjusted by adding or removing saline solution as needed to ensure adequate, sustainable weight loss.
Your commitment to weight loss is another key to success
The Lap-Band is one important tool for weight loss and works effectively when you are committed to its proper use. We say one important tool because we are convinced that sustainable weight loss requires a complete and customized program approach like we offer in our Patient Support Program. And a commitment from you.
We have learned from experience that the Lap-Band will not resolve obesity on its own. Your success depends on both regular follow-up after Lap-Band surgery and on your commitment to new eating habits. With the Lap-Band, CIBO Clinic’s Patient Support Program and your commitment, you’ll achieve better success in your weight loss journey because you will:
- Learn how to use the Lap-Band
- Be given excellent follow-up and patient care
- Receive consistent support and guidance from our staff
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