How Much Weight Can You Lose with the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System?
St. John Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery Center
The amount of weight you may lose depends on several things. The average weight loss in the United States clinical study was approximately 36-38% of excess weight, 2 and 3 years after surgery. It is important to remember that the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System is an aid to support you in achieving lasting results by limiting food intake, reducing appetite and slowing digestion. However, for the ultimate success of the operation it is very important that you play an active part in the effort to lose weight and keep it off by adopting a different lifestyle and eating pattern for the rest of your life.
Who Can be Considered for the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System?
In order to determine whether the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System is appropriate for you, the following criteria will be used:
- You are an adult (at least 18 years old).
- You weigh at least twice your ideal weight or You weigh at least 100 lbs. (45 kilos) more than your ideal weight.
- You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
- Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success.
- You are not suffering from any other disease which could have caused you to be overweight.
- You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle, and to continue being monitored by the specialist treating you.
- You do not drink alcohol in excess.
In order to be considered for the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System operation, you will have to meet the above requirements. If you weigh slightly less, you still may be considered if you are suffering from serious health problems. The surgeon treating you may have additional criteria.
Risks and Complications
There are risks and complications, including death, associated with all major surgical procedures. Although the laparoscopic technique used to place the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System is considered minimally invasive and is associated with reduced operative complications, it is still a surgical procedure and severe obesity increases the risks.
The BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System is designed to be adjustable after surgery and to assist you in losing weight and maintaining your weight loss. However, immediately following the surgery, and for years thereafter, there are risks of complications associated with placement, movement, infection, or leakage of the band or reservoir, etc. Some patients experience more nausea and vomiting than others. Rapid weight loss may cause problems, and there is a risk that you may not lose weight or that you may gain weight. The band may need to be removed or replaced.
It is of utmost importance that you discuss the possible benefits and all the possible risks of obesity surgery with your doctor.