FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
| WHAT IS THE LAP-BAND? |
The Lap Band (sometimes referred to as the ‘lapband’ or gastric band) is a silicone band that is placed around the stomach, creating a small upper stomach pouch that prevents a patient from eating excessively. It is only a restrictive device (not a malabsorptive one), and can be adjusted and/or removed, if necessary.
The procedure to place the band is done laparoscopically on an outpatient basis, so our patients go home the same day as surgery in most cases. Lap Band surgery recovery is relatively quick - with patients returning to work and/or most normal activities within 4-5 days. The Lap Band procedure is FDA approved. |
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| SURGEONS’ QUALIFICATIONS |
| Our highly respected bariatric surgeon was among the first to offer this revolutionary weight-loss surgery in the United States. Not only has he successfully performed over 500 gastric banding procedures, he is also a Lap Band patient himself and has a deep compassion for his patients. |
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| HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM GASTRIC BYPASS? |
| Gastric bypass surgery involves permanently changing the shape of the stomach by surgically reducing (cutting or stapling) its size to an egg-sized pouch, and then bypassing a portion of the digestive tract with the new smaller stomach. This type of surgery has both a restrictive and a malabsorptive effect, and unlike the Lap Band, it is essentially irreversible. Generally, gastric bypass patients stay in the hospital 3-4 days
following surgery, and recovery takes approximately 2-4 weeks, where as the Lap Band is an outpatient procedure and patients usually make a full recovery in 4-5 days. Gastric bypass surgery also has a higher rate of severe complications following surgery. |
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| HOW IS THE LAP BAND ADJUSTED? |
| Attached to the band is an access port that is located just under the skin. Whenever the Lap Band® needs to be tightened, the physician administers an injection of saline through the skin and straight into the access port. As the band fills up with saline, it becomes tighter around the stomach. |
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| HOW IS THE NEED FOR ADJUSTMENT DETERMINED? |
| Adjustments are made based on the needs of the individual patient. Generally, when a patient stays at the same weight for a period of time without losing, it is time to speak with the physician about an adjustment. |
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| HOW MUCH WEIGHT WILL I LOSE USING THE LAP BAND? |
| The Lap Band is a tool to give patients the best chance possible in reaching their weight-loss goals; the amount of weight lost is up to the individuals. Past patients have lost up to 100 pounds on the program, but results vary depending on each person and their commitment to maintaining a healthy weight. |
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| WHAT IS THE COST OF LAP BAND SURGERY? |
| Most PPO insurances cover the Lap Band procedure. Ask your broker if you have lap band insurance or contact our center for a free insurance check. We offer financing programs in the event that your insurance does not cover the surgery. |
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| HOW DO I DETERMINE WHETHER THE LAP BAND IS RIGHT FOR ME? |
Our center is dedicated to your health and wellbeing. We offer free, in-person consultations to help you decide if the Lap Band is the best method of weight-loss for you.
Please call our office at (877) 919-9997. |
