Surgical Weight Loss

What is the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System?

The LAP-BAND® surgery is a minimally invasive, adjustable, and reversible surgical treatment for obesity.  It is a tool to help patients improve their health and enhance their quality of life.

 The LAP-BAND® System is an adjustable silicone ring that is inserted laparoscopically, and placed – like a belt – around the upper part of the stomach.  An access port allows the surgeon to adjust the inner surface by adding or removing saline.

The LAP-BAND® System creates a new, smaller upper stomach pouch and leaves the larger part of the stomach below.  This new upper pouch can only hold a small amount of food, so patients will feel full sooner and are not hungry between meals. 

Who qualifies for the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System?

The LAP-BAND® System is indicated for use in weight reduction for severely obese patients with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of at least 40 or at least 35 with an obesity-related health condition. Enter your height and weight in the BMI Calculator below to see if you might be a candidate. 

Advantages of LAP-BAND® over gastric bypass surgery

• No stomach cutting or stapling or intestinal rerouting
• 10 times lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass
• Fewer complications
• Approximately 24-hour hospital stay
• Adjustable and reversible

Steady, healthy weight loss

The LAP-BAND® System may help improve or resolve obesity related risk factors and diseases.

In studies 90% of participants saw improvement or resolution of four common and serious obesity related diseases.  Those diseases included:

• Asthma
• Hypertension
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Sleep Apnea
• Gastroesophageal Reflux

And many other including a 95% quality of life improvement. 

FAQs

I heard the LAP-BAND® System is not for sweet-eaters, is that true?

No, there is no data to suggest that the LAP-BAND® System does not work for sweet-eaters. Studies confirm that sweet-eating behavior is not a contraindication for the LAP-BAND® System.

Is the LAP-BAND® System for the super obese?

Super obese (BMI > 50) patients experience significant weight loss and disease related resolution with the LAP-BAND® System. Weight loss with the LAP-BAND® System is comparable to other bariatric procedures after the first year of follow-up.

How do I pay for the LAP-BAND® System?  Does insurance cover it?

There are three basic ways to cover the cost of LAP-BAND® surgery.

1. Health Insurance – many health plans including Medicare cover the LAP-BAND® System surgery.  This means that most, if not all costs may be paid. (Be sure to check if your insurance has requirements for using network providers.)
2. Loans – There are specific companies that offer financing options for medical procedures.  Most are easily accessible and offer a full range of payment plans.

Out-of-pocket payment – some people find it worth while to pay for the LAP-BAND® System in a lump-sum payment.