Weight Loss Surgery Webinar
If you cannot attend a seminar in person, you may watch our online webinar.
The LAP-BAND® System, also known as gastric banding, is the least invasive of any bariatric surgical procedure. LAP-BAND® is one of two trade names for gastric banding, the other is the Realize® brand. Patients prefer gastric band surgery because of the safety of the procedure, however, long-term weight loss potential is lower in general.
The procedure involves implanting two medical devices, a gastric band and injection port, into the abdomen to control the flow of food into the stomach. The gastric band is essentially an inflatable ring made of high-grade silicone. It is compatible with the body and no allergic reactions have been reported. The band is fitted around the upper portion of the stomach and tightened to mold the stomach into two connected chambers. The smaller, upper pouch will hold the food consumed, causing the restriction that makes the patient feel full sooner. The food that does pass through the new smaller stomach opening is digested normally.
The injection port is attached to the abdominal wall and is the device that gives the surgeon the ability to adjust the band using a special surgical needle. The band and injection port are connected to a thin flexible tube that acts as a path for saline to be transferred to and from the band. The surgeon can adjust the band by injecting or removing saline, making the band tighter or looser depending on the patient’s progress.
The average LAP-BAND® patient may be able to leave the surgical center the day of surgery or the following day. A liquid diet and then soft food diet, will be necessary for four weeks after surgery.
Going back to work will depend on each patient’s progress and recovery, however patients will generally return to work after one to two weeks.
Our free seminars are hosted by one of our board-certified bariatric surgeons. You'll learn about our three surgical options, next steps and get answers to your questions.
Currently, no events are scheduled.
If you cannot attend a seminar in person, you may watch our online webinar.
It’s important to understand all of your surgical options. You can read about our other procedures and compare the advantages and risks of each.
The sleeve gastrectomy is the most common procedure for morbid obesity as of 2013. It has been available in the U.S. for around 10 years.
Gastric bypass procedures are considered the gold standard for bariatric surgery because of the exceptional potential for weight loss. The bypass is the most popular bariatric surgical procedure currently available in the United States.