LAP-BAND

The only FDA-approved treatment for morbid obesity is the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding system, also known as the LAP BAND System. This procedure has features that take obesity surgery to a new level of safety and effectiveness.

The surgeons at the Texas Center for Obesity Surgery have been recognized by Inamed, the makers of the LAP BAND as special VIP Surgeons. VIP Surgeons are a select group of surgeons from around the world who have the most experience and success with Lap Band placement.

The LAP BAND system works to help you lose excess body weight with an adjustable silicone band that is wrapped around your stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. The effect of this band is similar to the restrictive effects of Gastric Bypass in that the stomach’s capacity is greatly decreased, requiring much smaller amounts of food to create a feeling of fullness. The Band, squeezing on the top of the stomach, also acts as an appetite suppressant, to take the feeling of hunger away.

The LAP BAND system is revolutionary in a number of ways. It is the only obesity surgery that is adjustable. The silicone band is attached to an access port implanted beneath the skin during surgery. The band is tightened over time to achieve optimum weight loss results and minimize side effects. The adjustability can become important after the surgery if the patient becomes ill, pregnant or simply too tight; the band is easily loosened to allow more calories to be eaten. The LAP BAND can be adjusted right in the doctor’s office without the need for further surgery, meaning the LAP BAND system can be easily fitted to maximize your opportunity for successful, long-term weight loss.

Another important feature of the Band is its reversibility. Although the LAP BAND System is designed to be permanent life long solution to obesity, if there are any complications or if a patient cannot get accustomed to new dietary habits, the surgeon can easily remove the band with a short operative procedure. Since neither the stomach nor intestines are cut or stapled with the LAP BAND, once removed, the stomach will return to its original normal function.

Safety is an important feature of the LAP BAND. The operative procedure is shorter, and has fewer serious complications than traditional bariatric surgery. The surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis, getting you back to your life quicker, with minimal loss of work or surgical pain.

In U.S. clinical studies for the LAP BAND System, patients lost up to 60-70 percent of excess weight, two to three years after their surgery. Some patients will lose up to 100 percent of their excess weight. Weight loss differs from person to person and depends on a number of factors, including a patient’s adherence to proper diet and a commitment to regular exercise.

The Texas Center for Obesity Surgery (in Plano, TX just north of Dallas) is pleased to offer the new LAP BAND System to severely obese individuals ready to regain control of their lives. Call today to schedule your appointment and learn if the LAP BAND System is right for you.

ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is also a very popular bariatric surgery. A small gastric pouch is stapled off at the top of the stomach. The pouch will fill quickly with meals creating a full sensation after a very small amount of food. An intestinal bypass is created to allow the small gastric pouch to drain directly into the intestines. This bypasses a short segment of intestine and creates a degree of malabsorption. This bypass will also cause the “dumping syndrome,” which acts as extra negative reinforcement when foods that are high in sugar or fat content are eaten.

To learn more about Gastric Bypass and to find out if you are a candidate, call the Texas Center for Obesity Surgery in Plano, TX today at 972-981-8440 to schedule a consultation.

GASTRIC SLEEVE

The latest procedure to become available is the Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve. It started in the U.S. as half of the duodenal switch and appeared so successful that it is now offered as a “stand alone” operation. Performed laparoscopically through 5 small incisions, the stomach is sheared vertically to make a small vertical tube. Because no intestine is bypassed, malabsorption is not an issue. The unique benefits of this operation are the restrictive “full sensation” observed with a LapBand combined with the appetite suppression achieved with a Gastric Bypass. Behavior modifications are the same as a LapBand requiring slow ingestion of well-chewed food and voluntary stoppage of intake with a feeling of satiety.