What's a LAP-BAND?

The LAP-BAND device is a gastric band manufactured by Allergan. It is used as an alternative to sleeve gastrectomy surgery and gastric bypass surgery to help obese people lose weight by limiting the size of their stomach to help them feel fuller faster. Unlike other surgical procedures, the LAP-BAND is not permanently fixed, but can be adjusted as needed over the lifetime of the patient. The LAP-BAND has three main parts.

Band

• The LAP-BAND is made up of a large, silicon ring which goes around the upper part of the stomach and is believed to help trigger feelings of fullness at a meal. The ring is fitted inside with a series of small pillows filled with surgical saline (salt water) solution. Once the LAP-BAND has been surgically positioned, these saline pillows can be filled or emptied through the tube and access port by a doctor.

Tubing

• A long, silicon tube extends from the band around the stomach to the access port near the surface of the skin.

Access Port

• The access port is placed just under the skin. The doctor can tighten or loosen the gastric band around the stomach to give the stomach a smaller or larger capacity as needed.