The Lap Band
Description
Dr. Liza Maria Pompa González performs the lap band procedure at LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity in Tijuana, MX. Also known as adjustable gastric band surgery, this procedure is a relatively fast, less invasive option for bariatric treatment. As a result, it is often recommended as a starter surgery for patients with a higher BMI who cannot initially undergo a more involved procedure.
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An adjustable gastric band surgery is a restrictive procedure. We place a silicone band on top of the stomach in the junction between the esophagus and the stomach. This band is adjustable, you can put some liquid in, and that makes the band, you know, tighter. Or you can take a little bit of liquid out, and it makes it a little bit bigger. So we access the cord with a syringe, and this is how we adjust it. We place the liquid in or around depending on the restriction that the patient needs. It is also a good method for patients that have a high BMI and we cannot get them into a bigger procedure, a longer procedure. So this is a good method also to lose a little bit of weight and then have another procedure done. Usually we place a band in around half an hour. The patient goes to the recovery room and stays just one night after surgery, and they can go home the next day.