Lap Band Surgery Information - Treating Obesity

There is tubing that connects the band to an access port under the skin. This is used to inflate the band with saline. The amount of saline can be increased, which leads to a narrower opening from the pouch to the rest of the stomach. This causes the food to pass from the pouch to the rest of the stomach at a slower rate.

Is Lap Band Surgery Permanent?

Currently, the only FDA approved device for the treatment of obesity that is both adjustable and reversible is the The Lap Band. It does not require the cutting and stapling of the stomach. It also does not require any gastrointestinal re-routing to bypass normal digestion.is currently the only FDA approved adjustable & reversible obesity surgery that does not require cutting and stapling of the stomach or gastrointestinal re-routing to bypass normal digestion. The name Lap Band comes from the surgical technique used (laparoscopic) and the name of the implanted medical device (gastric band).

Where does the name Lap Band come from ?

The name Lap Band comes from the surgical technique used (laparoscopic) and the name of the implanted medical device (gastric band).

How much weight will I lose with Lap Band Surgery?

The reported range for weight loss varies from 1 to 3 lbs/week of fat loss during the first year after the surgery. However, every person is different and their commitment level can affect their results.

How long does it take to recover from lap band surgery?

Normal lap band surgeries typically require a hospital stay of less than 24 hours. Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks, and 4 to 6 weeks before resuming strenuous exercise. Following surgery, you should expect to have regular checkups with your doctor. Many doctors will see their patients weekly or bi-weekly following the surgery for the first month of post-operative care, and then monthly to quarterly checkups for the remainder of the first year. Adjustments to the gastric band pressure, if needed, will be performed at these checkups.

During the recovery period after surgery, it is important for you to follow your doctor’s dietary recommendations. You will need to give time for your new stomach structure to heal completely. During the first 6 weeks after surgery, you will be restricted to liquids and soft foods. You will progress from clear liquids up to creamier and more solid foods over time.

What are the risks for Lap Band surgery?

There are always risks associated with any type of surgery and this is no exception. Besides the risks associated with general anesthesia, Lap Band surgery risks include: infection, spleen bleeding or injury, gastric perforation (a tear in the stomach wall), and access port leakage. Be sure you review the risks associated with lap band surgery with your surgeon. There were no deaths during or immediately after surgery in the FDA clinical trials. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain and slippage of the band are common side effects. 

Advantages of Lap Band Surgery

• Least invasive surgical procedure – only several small (1 cm) incisions needed
• Least traumatic procedure - no stapling or cutting of the stomach
• Shorter hospitalization than other procedures
• Fully adjustable to each patient’s individual changing needs
• Fully reversible – just remove the band

Disadvantages of Lap Band Surgery

• Slower initial weight loss than gastric bypass
• Requires implanted medical device
• Possibility of band slippage or port leakage

How much does Lap Band Surgery cost?

The price range is roughly $15,000 to $20,000 in the US. In Mexico the price range is roughly $8,000 - $10,000.