What is a Gastric Band?
The gastric band is a hollow, silicone ring designed to be placed around the upper part of the stomach and filled with saline
This creates a new, small stomach “pouch” about the size of a golf ball above the band, whilst leaving the larger part of stomach below. In this way the food storage area in the stomach is reduced since the pouch above the gastric band can hold only a small amount of food at any one time.
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The Allergan A-P Gastric Band made from a pre-formed silicone shell
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The band tubing is connected to an access port, which allows fluid to be introduced (to tighten) or removed (to loosen) from the band.
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Enlarged image of the adjustment port with central, 'self-sealing' silicone core
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There are various types of gastric band but Healthier Weight exclusively uses the latest version of the Allergan laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND®). Why? Because there are more published studies on the LAP-BAND® than any other device.
There are two LAP-BAND® models:
AP-Small (APS) maximum fill capacity of 10cc. Used in about 70% of gastric band cases
AP-Large (APL) maximum fill capacity of 14cc. Used in bigger, heavier patients
The Easyband (TAGB) is an even more sophisticated type of gastric band which uses sophisticated electronics to open or close the band without the need for an access port of any kind
Read the Healthier Weight study of Gastric Band patients over a 12 year period
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