The Lap-Band System is an adjustable ring that is placed over the upper stomach to create a small pouch. The ring is attached to tubing which itself is attached to a port that lies under the skin. The tightness of the ring is adjusted after surgery during routine office visits. If a patient does not experience adequate weight loss, fluid is added through the port and the band tightens creating a smaller pouch and a sense of early fullness after meals. If too much fluid is present such that the patient cannot tolerate any solid food, fluid is removed from the band. Using these adjustments, the band can be fine-tuned for each Lap-Band Toronto patient.

This product has been used extensively throughout the world since its introduction in 1993. There are over 500,000 devices implanted in the world. It is the only FDA approved gastric banding device that has shown proven quality and been the subject of rigorous scientific testing.

The Lap-Band System is a prosthetic device made out of plastic. It was FDA approved (United States) for the treatment of obesity in 2002 after being studied in the United States. European and Australian surgeons have had experience using the Lap-Band System for over ten years. Currently, over 1000 Lap-Bands are placed in the United States every month.

1) Gastric Band

2) Access Port

3) Connection Tubing

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is much safer than the traditional surgical technique of gastric bypass or stomach stapling. There is no cutting, stapling or bypass of the intestine with LAGB. Lap-Band surgery works by restricting caloric intake and does not cause malabsorption which is the major mode of action of gastric bypass.