Lap Band Surgery
What added mental and physical weight are you carrying around? Learn how bariatric surgery can take the load off
Life is stressful enough without having to worry about your weight. After trying weight loss pills and diet pills, medications, fad diets, exercise, and more without lasting results, it can become a stressful part of your life. You may also start to lose hope that you will ever be able to get and keep excess weight off.
Don’t lose hope! If you are ready to find a long-term weight loss solution, continue reading about our bariatric surgery options, or schedule your appointment today with Inspire Bariatrics. Your start to a healthier, happier future begins with a single appointment.
Schedule an Appointment
What is Lap-Band surgery?
Lap-Band, also known as Lap-Band surgery and laparoscopic gastric band, is an FDA-approved reversible form of bariatric weight loss surgery to treat obesity. Lap-Band surgery is recommended for patients who are obese or morbidly obese, with a BMI number of at least 35 and an additional health issue, or over 40. Being over 100 pounds over your ideal weight is also a qualification.
The gastric band minimizes the amount of food you can consume and helps you feel full quicker. In other words, a Lap-Band procedure can help you reduce how much you eat without feeling starved, which can help you begin to lose weight and keep it off.
How does Lap-Band surgery work?
Lap-Band surgery begins with general anesthesia. A small incision or several incisions will be made, allowing your surgeon to access your stomach through the abdomen to install the inflatable gastric band.
The adjustable gastric band is placed around your stomach, creating a pouch, reducing the size of your stomach and resulting in a reduced appetite and less food consumption. A tube is also attached to the gastric band, and your doctor can access the tube through an under-skin access port. The gastric band implanted during the Lap-Band procedure is also adjustable using the port, allowing your doctor to increase or decrease the size of the inflatable band by injecting a saline solution into the band.
Lap-Band surgery can take 45 to 90 minutes to complete and is usually performed on an outpatient basis. After the procedure, you will be able to go home the same or next day.
Lap-Band surgery frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Does insurance cover Lap-Band surgery costs?
Yes, most insurance providers do cover Lap-Band surgery. By working with your care provider and insurance company, you can learn if they will cover the cost or a portion of the cost of your Lap-Band surgery.
What are Lap-Band surgery requirements for insurance coverage?
Lap-Band surgery requirements include meeting the body mass index requirements. Learn more about bariatric weight loss surgery requirements here.
How overweight do I have to be for Lap-Band surgery?
Lap-Band surgery is for patients who are obese or severely obese. If you have a BMI of 35 with additional health issues or a BMI of at least 40, you may qualify for Lap-Band surgery that is covered by insurance. Calculate your BMI here.
What are Lap-Band surgery pros and cons?
Lap-Band surgery pros include its effectiveness. According to Lap-Band®, the Lap-Band® system provides an average of 46% excess weight lost one year after the procedure.
Cons include less drastic weight loss when compared to other bariatric weight loss procedures. If you have a Lap-Band and are interested in a revision, please call us.
Learn more about Lap-Band surgery and whether you would be a good candidate by scheduling your appointment today.
How much does Lap-Band surgery cost?
Laparoscopic Lap-Band surgery is considered to be affordable and is often covered by insurance. Consult with your doctor for an accurate estimate.
Who manufactures Lap-Band?
The LAP-BAND® System is made by Reshape Lifesciences™.
Why choose Lap-Band surgery?
There are differences between each type of bariatric surgery (Lap-Band surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, and gastric bypass surgery). These surgeries are performed minimally invasively meaning a shorter length of hospital stay, less pain, smaller scars, and quicker recovery times. The band can be removed if needed, while other bariatric surgeries may be permanent.
Lap-Band patients are not likely to have the same drastic weight loss as patients who undergo gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery. Lap-Band patients may also regain some of the weight they lost 1-3 years later.
Want to know what form of bariatric weight loss surgery best fits you and your weight loss goals? Schedule your appointment with Inspire Bariatrics today!
Schedule an Appointment
How to maximize your results from Lap-Band surgery
To turn your Lap-Band surgery into a new, healthier body, lifestyle changes are required. Changes to maximize your results from Lap-Band surgery include:
- Switching to a blended food diet for 4-6 weeks
- Establishing and maintaining a healthy diet
- Limiting the amount of food you consume
- Exercising regularly
According to lapband.com, over 860,000 people have chosen to lose weight with Lap-Band surgery. Whatever you decide, you will have a network of support ready to guide you, answer questions, and hold you accountable. There are online and in-person bariatric surgery support groups around the country. Bariatric support groups help you know what to expect when you are deciding if you should undergo surgery, prepare for surgery when your operation is scheduled, and help you succeed after the surgery.
We also help our patients get the most out of their procedures and avoid revision surgeries by staying up to date with the newest methods and recommendations.
The healthy version of yourself is out there! Unleash it with weight loss surgery from Inspire Bariatrics.
Are you ready to explore bariatric surgery? Dr. McCalman is a leader in bariatric weight loss surgery, bringing long-term weight loss solutions to patients seeking to live happier, healthier lives.
We look forward to discussing Lap-Band surgery with you.
Schedule an AppointmentNot sure if the Lap-Band procedure is right for you?
Lap-Band surgery pros and cons
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is less invasive compared to other weight-loss surgeries, involving small incisions and a shorter recovery time.
- Reversible: The gastric band can be adjusted or removed if necessary.
- Adjustable: The band’s tightness can be adjusted to control weight loss.
- Lower Risk: Generally associated with fewer complications and risks compared to more extensive bariatric surgeries.
- Gradual Weight Loss: Allows for a steady and controlled weight loss process.
- Less Drastic Weight Loss: Compared to other bariatric procedures, the weight loss might be less significant.
- Need for Adjustments: Regular follow-up appointments are required to adjust the band.
- Potential for Complications: Includes band slippage, erosion, or infection at the port site.
- Possible Need for Revision Surgeries: Some patients might need additional surgeries to correct issues with the band.
- Lifestyle Changes Required: Requires strict adherence to dietary guidelines and regular exercise for optimal results.
At Inspire Bariatrics, we’re experts at maximizing the pros while minimizing the cons! Set up an appointment today to discuss what weight loss method is right for you.
Schedule an Appointment
