The LAP-BAND® System helps you achieve sustained weight loss by limiting how much you can eat, reducing your appetite, and slowing digestion.
It is the only minimally-invasive, adjustable, and reversible FDA-approved surgical obesity treatment.
As with any weight-loss surgery, you should be well informed about the advantages, disadvantages, and risks involved. Surgery can help you achieve your long-term goal only if you commit to life-long changes in diet and exercise.
During the procedure, an inflatable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a new, small stomach pouch. This small pouch limits the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The band also narrows the stomach outlet, regulating the flow of food. You feel full sooner and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food.
Advantages
Lowest mortality rate of surgical options
Least invasive surgical approach
No stomach stapling, cutting, or intestinal re-routing
Adjustable and reversible
Lowest operative complication rate
Low risk of nutritional deficiencies
Disadvantages
Slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass
Regular follow-up critical for optimal results
Requires implanted medical device
In some cases, band slippage can reduce effectiveness
Higher long-term risk of complications, versus other procedures, related to the device itself, requiring re-operation and/or revision
A New Approach
Munson’s Bariatric Surgery program offers patients with morbid obesity the LAP-BAND® System as an alternative to the Roux-en-Y procedure that bypasses part of the stomach and intestines.
“We believe the LAP-BAND is the right alternative for some patients,” said surgeon Michael A. Nizzi, DO. “As a less invasive procedure, there is less potential for operative complications, a shorter hospital stay, and there may be long-term weight loss comparable with the Roux-en-Y.”
For a typical patient, the procedure requires a 24-hour hospital stay. Because the band is removable, adjustable, and does not permanently alter the anatomy, it provides an option for patients who might not otherwise consider surgery for treatment of their obesity.
In all cases, Munson’s team of bariatric surgeons performs surgery only if it is the best choice for the patient’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for LAP-BAND® surgery?
Patients should:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be at least 100 pounds over ideal body weight, or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, or greater than 35 with multiple co-morbidities.
Have a medical record that documents serious, unsuccessful weight loss attempts.
Commit to substantial changes in eating habits and lifestyle.
Commit to on-going follow-up care.
Not be suffering from any other diseases that cause obesity.
Not drink alcohol in excess.
What is the referral process?
Every patient must attend a two-hour educational seminar hosted by Grand Traverse Surgery, PC before a referral can be made. Seminars are held monthly.
Pre-registration is required and can be accomplished by a physician’s office or patient calling (231) 935-8900.
For a listing of seminar dates
or to register online:
What is the average long-term weight loss following surgery?
Results vary from patient to patient. A weight loss of two to three pounds a week in the first year after the operation is possible, but one pound a week is more likely. Patients should lose weight gradually. The main goal is to have sustained weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves health problems connected with severe obesity. Estimated weight loss after three years is approximately 50-60 percent of excess weight.
How do weight loss results with LAP-BAND® compare to those with gastric bypass?
Surgeons report that gastric bypass patients lose weight faster in the first year. However, at five years, many LAP-BAND® patients have achieved weight loss comparable to that of gastric bypass patients.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
The LAP-BAND® System helps you achieve sustained weight loss by limiting how much you can eat, reducing your appetite, and slowing digestion. 
During the procedure, an inflatable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a new, small stomach pouch. This small pouch limits the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The band also narrows the stomach outlet, regulating the flow of food. You feel full sooner and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. 