LapBand: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band

The Newest and Safest Surgical Weight-Loss Procedure

Approved by the FDA in 2001, Lap Band® Surgery is the safest and least invasive bariatric surgery for weight-loss patients. The LapBand® is a small, inflatable belt placed around the upper portion of the patient's stomach that functions to restrict the amount of food consumed, slow the emptying of food from the stomach, and provide a constant sensation of being "full." Like our other weight-loss surgeries, Laparoscopic gastric banding surgery is a minimally invasive. Operating time is about 60 minutes and most patients are ready to leave the hospital the following day.

LapBand: How it Works

When in place, the Lap Band reduces the size of the stomach to between 15 and 30 cc's (about the size of an egg). (A normal stomach has a capacity of more than 1000 ccs). Gastric banding stomach reduction surgery functions by limiting the amount of food a patient can consume and delaying the emptying of the stomach to create the sensation of constantly being "full."

Lapband Adjustable Gastric Banding offers Customized Weight-Loss

As the only weight-loss procedure that gives doctors the option of adjusting the amount of restriction, Lap Band surgery allows each patient to benefit from customized weight-loss treatment. Surgeons adjust the Lap Band gradually restricting the amount of food an individual can consume; the adjustable Lap Band makes for a safer recovery and healthier long-term weight-loss.

Post-Op Dietary Plan for Lap Band Patients

As with all surgical weight-loss programs, it is imperative that LapBand patients adhere to a strict postoperative diet. For the first 18 months after surgery, patients must restrict themselves to consuming less than 800 calories per day; after 36 months, patients may consume no more than 1200 calories each day. In addition, patients may not drink fluids with meals.

Long-Term Weight-Loss Results with Lap Band

On average, patients who undergo Lap Band surgery experience a 60% loss of excess weight. We consider Lapland surgery to be a more moderate surgical weight-loss option.

Learn more about Lap Band Surgery - Surgical Weight Loss