Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the original adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. Lap band surgery induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. Since its clinical introduction in 1993, more than 100,000 LAP-BAND System procedures have been performed around the world with minimal risks

Advantages of the Lap-Band Surgery

Minimally Invasive Approach

During lap band surgery, surgeons generally use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient’s abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.

Least Traumatic Procedure

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

Adjustable Treatment

The LAP-BAND System is also the only adjustable weight loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren’t experiencing significant weight loss can have their band tightened.

The co-medical directors of the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center, Gerardo E. Cárcamo, M.D. and J. Keith Wright, M.D.*, have been performing the minimally invasive lap band surgery in San Antonio, Texas since 2003 as part of their complete weight loss program. Each doctor is a certified and highly skilled bariatric surgeon.

*Drs. Wright and Carcamo are independent practitioners on the active medical staff of the NIX Health Care System

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