The Lap-Band® is a weight loss procedure involving the placement of a silicone based "tie" around the upper portion of your stomach to make the stomach pouch smaller. The smaller pouch thereby drastically limits your food intake, resulting in weight loss.

The surgery

The Lap-Band® surgery is performed laparoscopically, hence the "lap." Laparoscopic surgeries are minimally invasive, requiring only small incisions through which the surgery is performed. Because it is less risky and less invasive than an open surgery, recovery time is shorter.

Band slippage

One complication is known as "band slippage." It does not involve the actual band slipping off or coming undone, but rather the stomach itself slipping through the band. There are two types of slippage---anterior and posterior.

Anterior Slippage

Anterior slippage occurs when the front (top) of the stomach slips through the band. To prevent this, surgeons typically put stitches around the band to keep it in place. However, even if this is done, the stomach can still slip.

Posterior Slippage

Posterior slippage occurs when the back, or lower, part of the stomach slips up through the band. According to Laparoscopy.com, surgeons have modified their techniques for band placement so this type of slippage rarely occurs.

Other causes

Band slippage may occur if the person vomits excessively, which stretches the stomach. The position of the band may slip and cause it to tighten, leading to heartburn, pain and more vomiting.

Treatment

If slippage occurs, it will require surgery to repair. Surgeons will again go in laparoscopically and undo the band, straighten the stomach out and then reposition the band.

Source:

Center for the Treatment of Obesity

Michigan Bariatrics: Lap-Band

Laparoscopy.com: Lap-Band