Frequently Asked Questions

The LAP-BAND^® is an implantable ring created to help severely overweight individuals lose excess pounds. It enables people to overcome their weight-related health problems and to live a healthier life. More information can be found on the What is the LAP-BAND^®? page.

The LAP-BAND^® is an adjustable silicone ring that goes around the upper part of the stomach, limiting the amount of food you can eat. The ring has a flexible balloon along the inside that can be filled with saline solution to make the LAP-BAND^® tighter. Tightening the LAP-BAND^® decreases the amount of food you need to feel full and increases the amount of fat your body burns as an alternative source of energy. Since the LAP-BAND^® simply cuts back on the amount of food ingested and promotes a feeling of fullness, it allows weight to be lost in a more natural manner than that of other weight-loss surgeries.

Weight loss results vary by individual and depend on a couple of things. The LAP-BAND^® needs to be positioned correctly and it is important that you commit to a healthy lifestyle. The results will not be instantaneous - staying patient and dedicated is the key to LAP-BAND^® success. It is very important to set achievable weight loss goals. Typically, LAP-BAND^® patients lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week. Weekly weight loss declines slightly after about a year to a year and a half.

The LAP-BAND^® offers a variety of benefits for patients as an alternative to other weight loss surgeries:

• Small incisions with less scaring (no cutting or stapling)
• No intestinal rerouting necessary
• Short facility stays (often done on an outpatient basis)
• Shorter recovery time
• Minimal risks and side effects
• the LAP-BAND^® can be removed at any time (although it is not meant to be)
• Allows for gradual weight loss, leading to long-term success

Long-term weight loss results with the LAP-BAND^® are very similar to those with the gastric bypass. Surgeons have reported that gastric bypass patients lose weight faster during the first year. At 3 years, however, many LAP-BAND^® patients have achieved weight loss results comparable to those of gastric bypass patients (1,2). The most important difference is the rate at which weight is lost. Gradually losing weight over time with the LAP-BAND^® is better for your health and less risky than achieving the same results, more rapidly with the gastric bypass.

If you are an adult more than 100 pounds overweight, or have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater or your BMI is at least 35 and you have one or more serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes - you could be a candidate. Additionally, you may also qualify if you meet the following criteria:

• You have been overweight for more than five years
• Your serious weight loss attempts have only short-term success
• You are not suffering from any other diseases that may have caused your excess weight
• You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle and are willing to continue working with your doctor

Of course, the best way to determine if the surgery is right for you is to speak with one of our qualified bariatric surgeons at a consultation or sign up for a free seminar.

the LAP-BAND^® is usually positioned laparoscopically, which requires only a few small incisions. During the minimally invasive surgery, the LAP-BAND^® is put around the top of your stomach to reduce its size and limit the amount of food intake. On average, the surgery takes only about 45 minutes to an hour.

The LAP-BAND^® system can be removed, however, it is not meant to be. In the event that the LAP-BAND^® is removed, the stomach typically returns back to its original shape, but you may return to your original weight or more.

In general, the surgery is more cost-effective than other weight-loss procedures. Of course, costs will vary based on your needs. Many insurance plans will cover at least part of the expense and, once you have attended a free seminar, we will gladly verify your benefits. We can also assist you with affordable financing. To learn more about your financing options register for a free seminar or apply for Care Credit.

Only a small amount of food should leave you feeling full as long as you follow the nutrition guidelines and eat slowly. The LAP-BAND^® makes you eat less and feel full in by decreasing the size of your stomach and by increasing the time it takes food to get through the digestive system.

The LAP-BAND^® should not limit physical activity including aerobics, stretching and strenuous exercise.

The LAP-BAND^® is a device that can help you lose weight, but your motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle are vital factors for weight loss success. Without dedication to your diet and exercise plans, the results will be minimal compared to the weight loss that can be accomplished when using the LAP-BAND^® right. For example, drinking liquids with your food should always be avoided. Liquids pass straight through your upper stomach pouch (which is banded off) and into your system. There, you absorb their 'empty' calories (high calorie drinks such as milkshakes or soda), and you won't feel full. For this reason, drinking liquids while eating could inhibit your amount of weight loss. Along with following a diet plan, your health and the amount of weight you lose will significantly increase with regular exercise.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with the LAP-BAND^® System procedure. These include the standard risks of any surgery, such as infection or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Other risks include, but are not limited to, nausea and vomiting, LAP-BAND^® slippage, LAP-BAND^® erosion, and access port problems.

Typically, LAP-BAND^® surgery is performed laparoscopically and often on an outpatient basis. Typically, it takes patients about a week before they can return to work and a month to six weeks before they can resume exercising.

If the LAP-BAND^® is positioned correctly and you follow all of the guidelines right you should feel fine. If you begin to feel sick it could be due to poor band placement, bad diet, or because you are not chewing your food well enough. Vomiting should be avoided as much as possible as it can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch. It can also lead to slippage of part of the stomach through the LAP-BAND^® and thus reduce the success of the operation. In some cases, excessive vomiting can necessitate another operation.

Check-ups with your doctor are a normal and very important part of LAP-BAND^® follow-up. Adjustments are performed during some of these visits. After your first year, you should see your surgeon at least once a year.

Adjustments are performed using a thin needle to inject or withdraw saline from the LAP-BAND^® through the access port. They can be done in an office setting or can be carried out using X-ray equipment under fluoroscopy. When X-rays are used, your reproductive organs are shielded. Adjustments typically take 10 to 15 minutes and most patients say they are relatively painless.

Adjustments are different for everyone. It depends on the amount of fluid required to make the stomach pouch and the stomach opening the right size and diameter. You will need to get adjustments in order to optimize your weight loss and remain in the "green zone." The green zone is your ideal fill level which should result in less hunger, portion control, good steady weight loss, and your satisfaction. You should gradually be losing weight and receiving all of the nutrients that you need while still reducing the amount of food that you eat.

After a successful operation, the access port should not limit your movement in any way. It is placed under the skin in the abdominal wall, and once you have healed you should not feel any pain or discomfort. The only time you may feel the port is during an adjustment.

The port is placed under your skin in the abdominal wall and is usually unnoticeable even when your abdomen is exposed.

Not necessarily. Sometimes the skin will mold itself around the new body tissue, so surgery isn't needed. You should wait at least 1 to 2 years after your have the LAP-BAND^® placed to consider surgery. This amount of time should be sufficient enough to give the skin enough time for natural adjustment.

If you become ill, you may need to eat more food in order to receive more nutrients for your body. The adjustable nature of the LAP-BAND^® allows it to be loosened during times of illness for this reason. Once you recover from your illness, the LAP-BAND^® can be readjusted to a tighter fit again.

You may eat most foods that don’t cause you discomfort. However, because you can only eat a little at any given time, it is important to include foods rich in important vitamins and nutrients—foods such as those recommended by your surgeon and/or dietitian. If you eat foods that contain lots of sugar and fat or drink liquids full of empty calories, such as milkshakes, the effect of the LAP-BAND^® may be greatly reduced.

Although it might be tempting and seem easy, your LAP-BAND^® System should never be opened to eat a big meal at a special occasion. The LAP-BAND^® System can be opened for medical reasons, though, such as pregnancy or illness, when you will need to increase your nutritional intake.

It is possible that your surgeon will require vitamin supplements. At your regular post surgery follow-ups, your surgeon will evaluate whether you are getting enough vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.

You should be able to take prescribed medication, though you may need to (1) use capsules or (2) break big tablets in half or dissolve them in water so they do not get stuck in the stoma and make you sick. Always ask the doctor who prescribes the drugs about this. Your surgeon may tell you to avoid taking aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers because they may irritate the stomach. The problems these drugs may cause could result in LAP-BAND^® removal.

Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer. Eat slowly. Finish at the same time as your table companions and simply leave food on your plate once you feel satisfied and full.

Alcohol has a high number of calories and breaks down vitamins so it is not recommended as a healthy food choice. However, an occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage is not necessarily considered harmful to weight loss.

Make a consultation appointment with our LAP-BAND^® surgeon or sign up for one of our free seminars in your area.