Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (LAP-BAND® System Procedure)

Less invasive. Fewer risks. Faster recovery.
With no cutting or stapling of the stomach, the LAP-BAND® System offers fewer risks and a generally faster recovery time than more extensive weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass — so you can be back to your normal activity in usually about a week’s time.

The Procedure
In most cases, the LAP-BAND® System is put into place during a laparoscopic procedure, using general anesthesia. The procedure is performed using long, thin instruments inserted through a few tiny incisions. Often done on an outpatient basis, the surgery itself typically takes about an hour.

• Step One: The LAP-BAND® System is implanted around the upper part of your stomach, much like a belt.
• Step Two: A tube is then connected from the LAP-BAND® System to a small access port, fixed beneath the skin of your abdomen.
• Step Three: After the first four to six weeks, adjustments to the LAP-BAND® System are made through the access port. This is done as needed — more frequently in the first year — to maintain optimal weight loss, by adding or removing saline solution.

Advantages:

• A minimally invasive surgery
• No stomach stapling or cutting
• No intestinal re-rerouting
• The band is adjustable
• The procedure is reversible
• No Dumping syndrome
• Low malnutrition risk
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quicker recovery
• Lowest complication rate
• Lowest mortality rate

Disadvantages:

• The access port may leak or twist, which can require an operation to correct the problem.
• Surgery may not provide the necessary feeling of satisfaction that one has had enough to eat.
• Band may erode into the stomach wall.
• Band may move or slip.

Long-term Success
For the weight-loss surgery to be effective in the long term, it must become a part of an overall healthy way of life. Through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, many patients are able to manage their weight for better health.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Proven Method. Rapid Results. Drastic Changes.

The Procedure
Sleeve gastrectomy , like gastric banding, is a restrictive surgical weight loss procedure which in most cases is performed laparoscopically. Approximately 75%-85% of the stomach is removed transforming it into a thin, vertical “sleeve” the size of a banana. As a result, the amount of food you can consume is limited, helping you to feel full sooner. While the size of the stomach is reduced it still has the ability to function normally.

Advantages

• Ability for normal digestion and absorption limiting vitamin and protein abnormalities
• Less risk for ulcers and “dumping syndrome:”
• The outer portion of the stomach which contains the majority of ghrelin, a hunger producing hormone, is removed.
• Intestinal bypass and foreign body devices are not necessary
• Rapid results – a majority of weight-loss occurs within 12-months.
• Viable option for people with existing anemia, Crohn’s disease, and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures or procedures that require implants (gastric banding).

Disadvantages

• This procedure does involve stomach stapling, therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur.
• Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible.
• Stomach sleeve can stretch if a proper, healthy diet is not followed; resulting in a weight gain

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

In addition to providing traditional laparoscopic techniques for weight-loss surgery, the Center for Weight-Loss Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center also offers a robotic-assisted laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure.

Similar to the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a robotic-assisted laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive technique where a camera and small instruments are inserted through tiny incisions to remove a large percentage of the stomach. However, during robotic-assisted procedures, the da Vinci® Surgical System and state-of-the-art computer technology, allows our surgeons to operate with greater dexterity and control than with traditional surgical approaches. In addition to a faster recovery time, other potential benefits of robotic surgery include less blood loss, reduced postoperative pain, reduced risk for infection and faster recovery.

Read more about our laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgical weight loss options and personalized support program available to our patients:

• Laparoscopic Surgical Weight Loss Options
• Personalized Support Program