The Laparoscopic Adjustable Band was approved by the FDA in 2001, and since that time has become a popular alternative to the gastric bypass surgery in this country. Attractive attributes of the Lap Band System are:

• Least invasive surgical option
• Safe - no stomach stapling, cutting or intestinal re-routing
• Effective - weight loss, comorbidities, quality of life
• Effective over time
• Low re-operation/revision
• Minimal side effects
• Easily reproducible
• Adjustable - customized by our surgeons to meet each individual's unique needs
• Reversible
• Low malnutrition risk
• Satiety-inducing procedure
• Overnight hospital stay in most cases and early return to work (1 week or less)
• OR time of one hour or less

Weight loss occurs much slower with the Lap Band as compared to the Gastric Bypass with most patients reaching their maximum weight loss at three years. The expected long-term weight loss with the Lap Band ranges from 50-60% of the excess body weight. Multiple studies have documented resolution of a majority of the weight-related comorbidities. Follow up with your surgeon for adjustments, especially in the first year, is vital to the success of the Band.

The Lap Band is a hollow silicone tube that is wrapped around the upper portion of the stomach and then attached to a small port buried beneath the skin and adipose tissue on the abdominal wall. To perform the procedure requires five small incisions through which we place our laparoscopic instruments. We then create a small tunnel around the upper portion of the stomach through which we pass the Band and lock it into place. Several sutures are also placed on the stomach to hold the Band in the correct position.

Once the Band is secured in the correct position, the amount of food that you can eat is diminished considerably. By adding or removing saline through the port, we can adjust the size of the band to allow you to eat more or less food. The actual adjustment of the Band takes place in our office. It is a quick and simple procedure that is performed by placing a needle into the access port and adding or removing a small amount of saline. During your first year after surgery, you will meet with your surgeon several times to make sure the adjustment is perfect for you. A well adjusted band will provide a sense of satiety (satisfaction) with small portions and allow you to lose 1.5-2.0 pounds per week.

With placement of the Lap-Band, aftercare and regular adjustments (fills) are critical to achieving long-term weight loss.  At CBSI we understand that life for many of us is constantly changing and evolving and you may be in need of a clinic/location that offers you the convenience of acquiring your fills and necessary aftercare and follow-up.  So if ...

• You are traveling
• You relocate
• Your surgeon retires or relocates
• Your surgeon has a limited program

Please call CBSI at 303-861-4505 and we will schedule your appointment with an experienced practitioner.  Your Lap-Band is a tool to assist you in achieving desired weight loss.  Allow yourself the opportunity to make sure it is operating at its full potential so that you can achieve the best possible long-term outcome.