One of the most popular types of weight loss surgery is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, a newer and safer alternative to gastric bypass surgery. This article will compare and contrast the two gastric band options, the LAP-BAND System and REALIZE Band, to help you determine which might be better for you.
About Adjustable Gastric Banding
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a type of weight loss surgery that utilizes a surgically implanted device to help a person eat less and thus lose weight. The primary benefits of LAGB is the safety, adjustability, and reversibility of the procedure. While there are many gastric band options available worldwide, the only two types of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding systems approved for use in the United States are the LAP-BAND System and the REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band.
The procedure to implant a gastric band system is usually performed using minimally-invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques and completed in less than an hour. The adjustable gastric band system consists of a silicone band, tubing, and an injection port. During surgery, the surgeon places the gastric band around the top of the stomach and attaches the injection port onto the abdominal wall. This method of bariatric surgery does not involve cutting or stapling the stomach or rerouting the small intestine as with gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve resection, and duodenal switch. Although the gastric band should be considered a permanent device, it can be reversed if medically necessary since all internal organs remain intact.
The key to controlling how much food a person can eat at any one time is determined by the gastric band which is placed around the top of the stomach. The band pulls tight and creates a new smaller stomach pouch which is capable of holding only a small amount of food. The inside of the band is lined with a hollow reservoir that can be adjusted by filling with a liquid solution via the injection port. Many adjustments are usually needed before the optimum fill level can be reached, which is often referred to as the sweet spot. This level, which varies from person to person, is reached when there is a good balance of food intake, hunger control, and adequate weight loss. The ability to adjust the gastric band is one of the primary benefits of this type of weight loss surgery.
About the LAP-BAND System
The LAP-BAND System, often referred to as lap band surgery, was approved for use in the United States by the FDA in 2001, but it has been used in Europe and Australia since 1993. It was designed by an American company, INAMED Health, known as the BioEnterics LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System. The LAP-BAND System was acquired by Allergan, Inc in 2005. The product has evolved over the years, from the 9.75/10 LAP-BAND System in 2001, to the LAP-BAND VG System in 2004, and then the LAP-BAND AP System in 2007. The company offers a patient support program known as the LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE Program.
About the REALIZE Band
The realize band is known outside the United States as the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB), where it has been available since 1996. It was approved by the FDA for use in the United States in September 2007. Although it was the second gastric band to be approved for use in the US, it was the first gastric band to be used worldwide. The SAGB was patented in 1985 by Obtech Medical of Switzerland, which was purchased in 2002 by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., an operating company of Johnson & Johnson. The name REALIZE Band was chosen for marketing purposes in the United States. The original band has undergone a few design changes over the years and newer features have been added to improve safety and performance. The company offers a patient support program known as REALIZE mySUCCESS, which includes online access to band-friendly recipes, weight loss tracker, daily reminders, and interactive tools.
Comparing the LAP-BAND and REALIZE Band
The LAP-BAND and REALIZE Band are similar in terms of excess weight loss, body mass index reduction, resolution of diabetes and hypertension, and rate of complications. The primary differences exist in the construction of the gastric bands, the band sizes, fill volume and access port size and attachment method. Many bariatric surgeons consider them equally good choices, but choose which band is best for the patient based on the patient's anatomy.
Overall, both the Lap Band and Realize Band are considered safe and effective types of weight loss surgery . Bariatric patients in the United States will benefit from having two options for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding now available to them. Before making a decision, patients should consult with their doctors to discuss which type of procedure is most appropriate for them.
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