How the Lap-Band Weight Loss Surgery is Performed

The Lap-Band weight loss surgery is often the most preferred surgery of its kind. It offers many advantages including more even-paced weight loss, less healing time, less pain after the surgery and patients are able to resume normal activities more quickly. There are generally three types of weight loss surgery and the Lap-Band is the newest and least invasive of the three. Before performing this weight loss surgery, a doctor will carefully assess your case, looking into your health history, your weight and body mass index and your willingness to change your life.

After it has been determined that you are a good candidate for this type of weight loss surgery, your doctor will carefully go over the surgery guidelines and expectations. Those who have the Lap-Band weight loss surgery have to make the commitment to change not only their food intake, but also must be willing to undergo behavior modification and an exercise regimen. Also, the doctor will explain how the Lap-Band surgery is performed and what you should expect when recovering from this surgery. The doctor will also discuss with you other specialists you will need to see including a dietitian, a therapist, a psychologist and other medical specialist.

When it is time for your Lap-Band weight loss surgery, you will be admitted to the hospital the day before your surgery. This is so that the doctors and nurses can asses your health and make sure that no foods are eaten before the surgery is performed. Before the surgery begins, you will be given general anesthesia. Most Lap-Band surgeries are performed laparoscopically, which means that the incisions are smaller and the surgeon uses a small camera to guide the surgery. This is preferred method of surgery for both doctors and patients because it causes less pain and the healing time is much faster than with an open procedure. In addition, there are less wound complications when the Lap-Band surgery is performed this way.

During the weight loss surgery, an adjustable band made of silicone is placed around the top part of the stomach. The ring is hollow and will later be filled with saline. This band creates a small upper pouch that serves as the new stomach. Because the pouch is much smaller, you will not be able to eat more than a couple of ounces at a time. The reduced calorie intake leads to the weight loss. After the band is in place, is it connected to a tube to an access port placed beneath the skin during surgery. This is the area where the doctor will add or reduce the saline to the ring. If the band is too loose, the weight will not be lost as quickly. The doctor can then adjust the ring accordingly. If weight loss is too fast, then the doctor will take some of the saline out of the ring. This is a feature unique to the Lap-Band and adding or taking out saline is a normal part of the Lap-Band weight loss surgery.