About the LAP-BAND^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System

The LAP-BAND^® System is a safe, effective, and well-established surgical option for severely obese patients. To date, over 300,000 LAP-BAND^® Systems have been sold worldwide, with data supported by more than 1,300 publications and references with up to 10 years of follow-up.²

Unlike standard gastric bypass surgery, the LAP-BAND^® System is minimally invasive. It consists of an inflatable silicone band that is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a new small upper stomach pouch and narrowed stoma. The size of the stoma can be changed by adding or removing saline from the band, thus controlling the flow rate of food from the upper to lower part of the stomach. No cutting or stapling of the stomach is required, and because the stomach and intestines are not bypassed, there is little risk of vitamin or mineral deficiencies. 

Studies have shown that standard gastric bypass surgery generally results in more rapid weight loss than with LAP-BAND^® System surgery, but at 3 years and beyond the weight loss is similar for both approaches (50%-60% excess weight loss).^3,4

The LAP-BAND^® System can be removed at any time, generally without altering anatomy.