Lap-Band® is a brand name for adjustable gastric banding surgery, just like Band-Aid® is a brand name for bandages. Most often, you hear adjustable gastric banding surgery simply referred to as Lap-Band, although there are other brands of the adjustable gastric band.

During Lap-Band surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions and uses special laparoscopic instruments, including a tiny camera to look inside the abdomen and place the adjustable gastric band. The inside of the Lap-Band is lined with a thin, inflatable lining that connects to a port under the skin. Through this port, the doctor can add or remove saline from the band, making it tighter or looser. This creates a smaller pouch at the top of your stomach, which creates a feeling of fullness after just a few bites, helping you eat less and lose weight.

Weight loss with Lap-Band is slower and takes around two years to plateau, with some patients continuing to lose weight up to four or five years later. A 2006 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine  showed that between different groups of patients trying different methods of weight loss – including diet, exercise, behavior modification and surgery – gastric banding patients lost more weight in one year than any other group and continued to lose weight for the next two years.

Of the bariatric surgery procedures offered at Obesity Health Solutions, the Lap-Band is the least invasive and requires the least amount of lifestyle changes. However, as with gastric bypass surgery, Lap-Band surgery does require you to alter your diet, and to monitor portion control and vitamin intake. In addition, you will need to schedule routine visits with Dr. Stowers every 2-3 months to have your band adjusted as you lose weight, and yearly follow-up appointments after your weight has stabilized.

As with all procedures, Lap-Band surgery does involve a few risks. Some patients may develop heartburn, esophageal dilation or gastroesophageal reflux disease if the band slips or is too tight. Other risks include obstruction, when food gets stuck in your throat, malnutrition or problems with the access port. Most of these risks can be avoided by following the guidelines provided by your bariatric care team after surgery.

If you are considering Lap-Band surgery in the Dallas / Fort Worth area or North Texas and Decatur, TX, call our office toll-free at 866-980-8598 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you break free from obesity to achieve a healthy weight and the life that you deserve!