LAP BAND SURGERY IN MEXICO

The Lap Band System, also known as laparoscopic gastric banding, is an innovative surgical treatment developed to help you achieve significant reduction in excess body weight. Of all the surgical procedures for reducing the capacity of the stomach, laparoscopic banding is the least invasive. The Lap Band System is unique because the band’s diameter is adjustable to meet each patient’s individual needs. Other procedures permanently alter the size of the stomach. The name “Lap Band” is an abbreviated and trademarked combination of the words representing the surgical technique and the product employed in this method (“Lap” from laparoscopic and “Band” from gastric band). Using Lap Band, Mexico / Mexicali weight loss surgeon Dr. Esquerra and Dr. Rodolfo Wilhelmy both friends and colleagues of our mentor the late Dr. Alberto Aceves have helped more than 2500 patients achieve their weight loss goals.

How does the Lap Band System work?

The Lap Band System’s silicone elastomer band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a new small stomach pouch which can hold only a small amount of food. The larger part of the stomach is below the band. The stoma (stomach outlet) controlled by the band between the two parts slows down the passage of food from the upper to the lower part of the stomach. This results in an earlier and longer-lasting feeling of satiety (fullness).

To modify the size of the stoma, the inner surface of the band can be adjusted by adding or removing (inflating or deflating) saline, a salty solution similar to fluids found in the body. The band is connected by tubing to a reservoir which is placed well beneath the skin during surgery.

After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by piercing the reservoir with a fine needle through the skin. If the band is too loose and weight loss is insufficient, the stoma size can be reduced by adding more saline. If the band is too tight, the surgeon will remove some saline. This can be done in a clinic or radiology department without further surgery. The ability to adjust the band is a unique characteristic of the Lap Band System and is a normal part of surgical follow-up for this procedure. If the inflation or deflation does not achieve the desired result, an additional surgical procedure may be necessary.

How is the Lap Band System placed?

The Lap Band System is designed to be placed laparoscopically. Although considered to be significantly less invasive than traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery is still surgery, and general anesthesia is required. The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdominal wall to insert narrow, hollow tubes, and thin surgical instruments are placed through these tubes. The surgeon “sees” inside the abdomen by using a small camera which is also placed through the tubes, and the picture is projected on a television-type monitor. This surgical technique is called “laparoscopy” and is considered “minimally invasive.” Most people experience much less pain following a laparoscopic operation than after a traditional “open” operation in which a larger incision is made through the abdominal wall. Patients also recover faster and are able to resume normal activities more rapidly. However, for a variety of reasons, the surgeon may place the Lap Band System via a larger abdominal incision rather than via laparoscopy. The surgeon may need to make this decision during the surgical procedure. Both approaches are discussed in this booklet. You and your surgeon should discuss the plan and choose what is best for you.