During the LAP-BAND® System Procedure

Placing the LAP-BAND® System normally takes about an hour, though the entire operation takes about three hours from beginning to end. Before gastric banding surgery, patients are placed under general anesthesia for their comfort and safety. The procedure, which has been approved by the FDA, has an excellent safety record. Many surgeons report that they have treated hundreds of patients without serious complications during or immediately following surgery.

About Laparoscopic Surgery

Gastric banding surgery is usually performed laparoscopically. Rather than opening the body cavity to access the internal organs, a laparoscopic surgeon makes multiple small incisions. Through these incisions, specialized surgical implements are inserted along with a camera that gives the surgeon a clear view inside the body. Using these implements, a highly trained surgeon can maneuver the LAP-BAND® System into place around the stomach without affecting the surrounding organs.

There are many benefits associated with laparoscopic gastric banding. For instance, it is significantly less invasive than an open technique, reducing the chance of serious surgical risks such as infection and blood loss. Additionally, patients tend to experience fewer complications and less discomfort after laparoscopic gastric banding surgery, and they typically recover much more quickly. Because the incisions required for laparoscopic surgery are small and discreet, patients who choose this option can also avoid large, conspicuous scars.

Placing and Adjusting the LAP-BAND® System

The LAP-BAND® System is carefully inserted through an abdominal incision and then maneuvered into place. The gastric band is positioned around a small section of the upper stomach, near the esophagus. The LAP-BAND® System itself has a clasp that fastens securely into position, creating the stomach pouch. Finally, the surgeon implants a valve just beneath the skin that is connected to the band by a length of tubing. The bariatric surgeon can then adjust the gastric band by injecting saline fluid through this valve, adjusting the size of the stomach pouch to optimize healthy weight loss.

Discuss LAP-BAND® System Surgery with a Doctor near You

The best way to find out whether LAP-BAND® surgery is right for you is to discuss the procedure in detail with a trained bariatric surgeon. Using DocShop's nationwide database of bariatric surgeons, you can find a weight loss surgeon in your area who will help you explore the advantages and risks of surgical weight loss.