Lap Band
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Dignity Health’s bariatric surgery teams offer Lap Band® surgery to help patients overcome obesity.
What is Lap Band Surgery?
Lap Band surgery is the least invasive surgical weight loss procedure and is performed using a minimally invasive/laparoscopic technique. There is no cutting or stapling of the stomach, or bypassing of the intestines.
The Lap Band is an adjustable silicone band placed around the top part of the stomach. It is designed to restrict food intake. No intestinal bypass is performed, so there is no change in the number of calories and amount of nutrients absorbed by the intestine.
Because Lap Band surgery is a restrictive procedure, a little pouch is created over time. A small tube with a port is attached to the ring and stays inside your body.
About eight weeks after your Lap Band surgery, your bariatric surgeon will use a needle to inject a small amount of fluid into the port, which slightly tightens the band around the stomach. You can expect to receive an injection every month until you feel the perfect amount of restriction when eating small amounts of food.
We never recommend the removal of a Lap Band once adequate weight loss has been achieved, but if the band has to be removed due to a complication, the stomach generally returns to its original form.
How is the Lap Band Procedure Performed?
This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically. After making several small incisions in your abdomen, the surgeon will insert instruments and a camera through these incisions to aid the operation. The hospital stay is usually a day or two.
The Lap Band procedure is done under general anesthesia. The Lap Band is placed around the upper part of the stomach and set into position with sutures. A small device called a port (or reservoir) is placed under the skin of the abdomen. It is connected by tubing to the Lap Band and allows the surgeon to periodically adjust the tightness of the band. This is done by injecting a small amount of saline water into the port. The tightness of the Lap Band is adjusted to suit your individual situation.
Am I a Candidate for Lap Band Surgery?
Lap Band surgery is not recommended for patients with certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, or a family history of autoimmune disease. A Dignity Health bariatric surgeon will review your personal health history and determine if Lap Band surgery is the best option for you.
What Type of Support Can I Expect with Lap Band Surgery?
When you undergo Lap Band Surgery, our team of compassionate providers will help you every step of the way. From answering your questions to guiding you through new lifestyle modifications, our bariatric surgeons, specialists, and support staff will be by your side.
Our services include the following:
- introductory education session
- physician consultation
- nutrition counseling
- post-surgery support
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