Lap-Band® System Surgery Overview

Lap-Band® surgery is a popular surgical option that can help morbidly obese patients achieve lasting weight loss. Review the following information to learn more about the Lap-Band® surgery.

Surgical Candidates

The Lap-Band® system is a weight loss surgery designed for people who suffer from morbid obesity. This means people whose body mass index, or BMI, is over 40 or over 35 for patients who are also suffering from obesity-related health conditions. Candidates for Lap-Band® surgery also need to be healthy enough to withstand the procedure and have an understanding of the full effects of the surgery, including the potential risks and complications. Additionally, patients should have attempted other weight loss techniques without success before turning to Lap-Band® surgery.

Surgical Technique

The Lap-Band® procedure is performed laparoscopically. The surgeon will place the band around the top portion of the stomach. The band is connected to a port, which is placed on the side of your body just beneath the skin. This allows the surgeon to inflate or deflate the band as needed, providing an adjustable weight loss solution that can be tailored to the individual patient's needs. Most patients take about a week to recover from the procedure, and patients can expect to start losing weight almost immediately.

Getting Started

If you suffer from obesity and are ready to make a healthy change, talk to your doctor about bariatric surgery options such as Lap-Band® surgery. Some health insurance companies, in an effort to help combat obesity, are now starting to pay for a portion or all of the procedure, which is making it more affordable for patients to enjoy the benefits of weight loss. Your doctor can review your individual health concerns and determine if weight loss surgery is an appropriate option for you.