lap-band
You’ve heard of the LAP-BAND, and you know it’s a weight loss surgery option. But do you really know what it’s all about and why you might want to choose this option if you are considering weight loss surgery?

This minimally invasive procedure is one of the most common weight loss surgery options. In fact, it is generally thought to be the least traumatic of all weight-loss surgeries. It does not require any cutting, stapling, or stomach rerouting. This means less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and reduced recovery time.

For many, it’s the perfect way to lose weight and improve health conditions without being too restricting. We want everyone to be able to lead a happy and healthy life after surgery. Let’s see how that’s possible with the LAP-BAND.

How the LAP-BAND works

The LAP-BAND is a hollow band made of special material. Working laparoscopically, we place the band around the upper part of the stomach where it meets the esophagus. This creates a very small pouch that empties into the larger remaining portion of the stomach. The band is connected to a port, which is located underneath the skin of the abdomen. 

With this port, we can inflate the band with a salt solution. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of salt solution. This tightening or loosening determines how much restriction there is on what you eat. 

The LAP-BAND induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.

Advantages of the LAP-BAND

If fewer risks and side effects are at the top of your list when choosing a weight loss surgery, you should know the LAP-BAND offers a variety of benefits when compared to other procedures. Here are some of the other major advantages of the LAP-BAND:

  • Lower mortality risk than other weight loss surgery procedures — Both total complications and mortality rate are extremely low for the LAP-BAND with a mortality rate of only 0.1%, according to Obesity News Today.
  • Low risk of nutritional deficiencies — Since we do not change your anatomy with the LAP-BAND, food and nutrients continue to be properly absorbed into the body.
  • Reduced risk of hair loss — Since this typically occurs as a result of a nutritional deficiency, hair loss can be more common with other weight loss procedures.
  • No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions — Dumping syndrome occurs when food passes too quickly to the lower intestine. But again, because we do not change your anatomy with the procedure, this is unlikely to occur.
  • Adjustable — We can adjust the band to better meet your needs and weight loss goals, if necessary. Some patients also like knowing that it is reversible, and we can restore the stomach to its original form and function.
  • Cost-effective — The LAP-BAND is on the lower end of the scale in terms of weight loss surgery cost. This is often especially appealing for those who will be paying out of pocket, rather than using insurance assistance for payment. See pricing on all of our options here. 

The average LAP-BAND patient loses 30 to 40% of their excess body weight within two years. It is an effective procedure that many people are happy with years down the road when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 

Finding the weight loss surgery option that’s right for you takes careful consideration, and more importantly, the opinion of a professional surgeon who understands your lifestyle. By working with our experienced surgeon at Birmingham Minimally Invasive, we will determine if the LAP-BAND is your answer.

Contact Us to Learn More About Gastric Bypass Surgery

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery.  Our surgeon Dr. Jay Long has highly specialized training in bariatric surgery, having completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he focused on taking care of patients that are morbidly obese.  And we are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website!  Insurance won’t pay?  We have a variety of financing options we can offer you so that you are able to get the healthy body you’ve wanted for years.  Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.