What is the Lap-Band
Diet, exercise and weight loss medications are still the most widely recommended modalities for overweight persons to lose weight. Unfortunately, although somewhat effective in the short term, these methods virtually never provide morbidly obese patients with permanent, significant weight loss. Only with permanent, significant weight loss can morbidly obese patients extend their lives, diminish medical problems and improve quality of life. This type of weight loss is typically only achieved through surgery.
The Lap-Band operation is the safest and least invasive surgical option for weight loss today. The surgery is performed with instruments placed through small incisions in the abdominal wall and typically takes an hour or less to perform. There is no stapling across the stomach or small intestine, or gastrointestinal bypass so digestion occurs normally. The procedure is adjustable and fully reversible if needed. Patients typically spend one night in the hospital and are discharged the next day. Most patients will return to work and essentially full activity one week after surgery.
The Lap-Band device allows patients to eat less and feel full sooner, giving them a tool to control their hunger and finally achieve their goal of significant, lasting weight loss. The Bariatric Program of Des Peres Hospital was started by Dr. Minkin in 2004 and since then, has grown into a fully integrated, multidisciplinary program recognized by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. We are proud of our many successes and will always remain committed to the safe, comprehensive and compassionate care of our patients for the years to come.
- Type II diabetes
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Sleep apnea and hypoventilation
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Kidney failure
- Hormonal abnormalities
Our Program Team
When investigating bariatric surgery programs, look for those programs that take a multidisciplinary, fully integrated approach to the care of their patients. All members of our “Program Team” have undergone specific training and education regarding the care of the bariatric patient. At Des Peres Hospital, several of the nurses caring for the bariatric patients have undergone surgery by Dr. Minkin themselves and understand their patient’s postoperative experience firsthand.
