Weight Loss Surgery Specialist - Lap-Band & Sleeve Gastrectomy - Richard E. Collier, MD

Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the LAP-BAND® System procedure is an adjustable and completely reversible surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. The new Allergan Advanced Platform System® was introduced in 2007. It induces weight-loss by reducing hunger and by restricting the amount of food that can be consumed during each meal. Since its clinical introduction in 1993, more than 450,000 LAP-BAND® System procedures have been performed around the world.

Minimally Invasive Approach

During the procedure, Dr. Collier uses laparoscopic techniques to make small incisions which enable him to implant an inflatable silicone band around the patient’s upper stomach. The band is passed around the stomach, similar to a belt around the waist, to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. The pouch limits and controls the amount of food the patient can eat at each meal. It also creates a small outlet between the pouch and lower-part of the stomach. This slows the emptying process of food into the lower-part of the stomach. Patients then experience an earlier sensation of "fullness" and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food resulting in weight loss. The smaller amounts of food are sufficient for necessary energy and activity due to the patient a eating a healthier diet as a result of counseling with our Master degreed licensed, registered dietitian.

Least Traumatic Procedure

Since there is no cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing involved in the LAP-BAND® System procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all available weight-loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain and quicker recovery. If for any reason the band needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns back to its original form.

Adjustability

The success of the LAP-BAND® System is determined through its adjustability. It is the only surgery of its kind to offer this type of weight-loss management. Adjustments or fills are done to customize the weight-loss rate for each patient. Your physiology can change as you lose weight and the LAP-BAND® System. The band's adjustability offers it's unique ability to conform to your individual needs. For example, pregnant patients can have the fluid removed from their band to allow for adequate nutrition during pregnancy. After childbirth, the fluid can then be replaced allowing weight loss to continue. The amount of fluid within the band is adjusted according to the individual patient's weight loss and their desired level of weight loss.

Is The Lap-Band® Right For You?

The Allergan® Advanced Platform LAP-BAND® System may not right for everyone. Dr. Collier will work with you to decide if this is the corrct weight loss procedure for you. Here are some of the things to consider:

Indications

The LAP-BAND® System may be right for you if:

You are at least 16 years old (certain growth factors must be considered if you are under 18)
Your BMI is over 40 or higher, roughly being equivalent to being at least 100 pounds (45 kilos) more than your ideal weight.
Your BMI is between 35-40 and you suffer from one or more associated serious co-morbid diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
You have been overweight for more than 5 years. Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success. Many insurance companies are now requiring documentation of five consecutive years of obesity to consider coverage for surgery.
You do not have any other disease that may have caused you to be overweight.
You are prepared to make major changes in your eating habits.
You are willing to participate in some type of regular exercise activity.
You are willing to continue working with the specialist who is treating you.
You do not drink alcohol in excess.

If your BMI is less than 35, the LAP-BAND® System may not be right for you. However, surgeons may consider inserting a band if you have health problems that are related to a lesser level of obesity or you have been unable to attain a lower desired weight despite serious attempts at nonsurgical weight loss programs. Ask Dr. Collier to discuss these criteria with you.

To check your BMI, use our BMI Calculator.

Contraindications

The LAP-BAND® System is not right for you if:

You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease.
You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel).
You have portal hypertension.
You have experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement.
You have cirrhosis.
You have chronic pancreatitis.
You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the Allergan® LAP-BAND® System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.)
You are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
You are under 16 years of age.
You have an active infection anywhere in your body that could contaminate the surgical area.
You are on long-term steroid treatment.
You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure.
You are unwilling to paticipate in some type of aerobic exercise activity.
You might be allergic to materials in the device.
You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device.
You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases.
Some physicians believe that patients with a "sweet tooth" or a histoty of binge eating may not do well with the LAP-BAND® System. You need to discuss this with Dr. Collier