THE HISTORY OF THE LAPBAND

During the 1970s, the most common form of bariatric surgery was intestinal Bypass. It was very unpopular due to uncontrolled malabsorption issues. There were also long term, severe problems or side effects that were not only undesirable, but also unhealthy as the persistent anemia and the bone calcium depletion.

In the early 80's, Bypass stapling had been modified to some degree improving late complications but continuing having a high mortality rate and many operative and postoperative complications specially among surgeons that were not very familiar with the techniques and follow up.

Stapling of the Stomach or Vertical Gastroplasty and the Adjustable Gastric Band became much less aggressive because they were only restrictive and not malabsortive procedures and a lower death rate occurred because there were less failing places and less aggressive because no anastomosis or several stapling were need it in order to achieve the weightloss.

In 1978, a Gastric Band was introduced as a form of treatment for obesity. This and the revised way of stapling were the most popular forms of surgery to help overcome morbid obesity.

In 1983, Dr. Kuzmak developed an adjustable gastric band for conventional open surgery, to constrain the proximal gastric lumen and create a restricted upper compartment or upper pouch, while leaving a large patent distal segment of stomach in continuity. In laymen terms... It looked like an obshaped hourglass, still allowing the stomach to digest food, the way our system is intended to work. One of the greatest differences between the band used in the 70's and the band in the 80's is, the latter band was
adjustable.

In 1985, there was even a better adjustable band introduced by a Swedish doctor, Peter Forsell. This band was later used laparoscopically with great success. At the end of 1992, Dr. Kuzmak placed the first generation "lapband" as a laparoscopic surgery.

The LASGB ( Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding) does not involve any cutting, stapling, or removing any part of the stomach and/or intestines. Most of the side effects associated with all other forms of bariatric procedures are eliminated with this newer procedure. The patient is discharged from the hospital the next day in most cases, regardless of his/her weight. Not to mention back to work after a few days rest. Total reversibility and adjustability of the band, are clearly positive points to be considered.

The creation of a 15 ml gastric upper pouch (1/2 onz) with a narrow outlet into the remaining stomach produces a feeling of early satiety with small amounts of food. Consequently, there is a controlled weight reduction and ability to maintain ones weightloss.

The LASGB (lapband) is the first reversible, minimally disabling, laprascopically feasible gastric compartmentation, in the 40 year history of operative surgical treatment for morbid obesity and today is considered among true Bariatric Surgeons as the first choice for treatment of severe obesity.