The LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB®) System is designed to induce weight loss in severely obese patients by limiting food consumption. The slip-through buckle design band eases laparoscopic placement around the stomach. The band forms a small gastric pouch and stoma. No cutting or stapling of the stomach is required and there is no by-passing of portions of the stomach or intestines.

The initial pouch and stoma sizes are controlled through the use of the calibration tube. An inflation of the calibration tube balloon with 15-25 cc of air or saline provides an acceptable size range of the proximal pouch. The precise size may vary among patients depending on dissection points, individual patient physiology, and balloon and placement procedures.

The inner surface of the band is inflatable and connected by kink-resistant tubing to the access port, which is included in the LAGB System. This permits postoperative percutaneous stoma size adjustment. Dietary and behavior modification counseling, and frequent and long term follow-up are required for all patients after weight-loss surgery.

Access Port Features
The access port is for percutaneous adjustment of the stoma diameter and is self-sealing when penetrated by the access-port needle. Other features include: high compression septum; tested to over 1,000 punctures with a 20 gauge non-coring needle. Titanium reservoir: designed for long-term durability and positive tactile feedback when accessing needle makes contact; resists gouging from repeated needle contact for longterm reservoir integrity.