Sometimes also known as gastric band surgery, lap band surgery is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure used to treat severe obesity. Our specialists can help you determine if a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, commonly known as a lap band, is the best option for you.
What is lap band surgery?
During lap band surgery, a surgeon adds a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, commonly known as a lap band or gastric band, to the upper part of your stomach. This is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure for the treatment of severe obesity, and it works by helping you to limit your food intake to support a long-term, sustainable weight loss. After the lap band surgery, you’ll feel full sooner, eat smaller portions, and lose weight over time.
Lap band surgery is performed using small surgical incisions (portals) and long shafted narrow instruments to ensure the procedure is as minimally invasive as possible. The surgery places an inflatable silicone band around the upper part of your stomach to create a small pouch to hold only a small amount of food, and therefore make you feel full even though you’ve only eaten a fraction of what you usually would.
The outcome of gastric band surgery
Lap band surgery promotes weight loss, and improves obesity-related health issues. Your obesity surgeon can adjust the band if the rate of weight loss is not acceptable or if you have problems with the band.
Downtime after lap band surgery
With lap band surgery, patients can expect a gradual but steady weight loss.
Some health funds will cover lap band surgery. Please check with your health plans for details.
What are the benefits of lap band surgery?
Gastric band surgery offers the following benefits:
- Least invasive weight loss procedure
- Minimal trauma
- Needs no cutting or stapling of the stomach
- Quick recovery
- Experience less pain
- Shorter hospital stay
