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Gastric Band Surgery
What is Gastric Band Surgery?
Patients who qualify for weight-loss surgery also called bariatric surgery, should consider all the various options available. One bariatric surgery option is laparoscopic adjustable banding or Lap-Band®. With this form of weight-loss surgery, an implanted device helps you lose weight by restricting how much your stomach can hold.
How Does Gastric Band Surgery Work?
The Lap-Band® is an inflatable device that is placed around the upper portion of your stomach. The surgical procedure takes about an hour and can be done on an outpatient basis.
The band is usually placed around the stomach without being inflated, allowing the body to recover and adjust to the device. It is then inflated four to six weeks after surgery. From then on, the band can be tightened or loosened to adjust restrictions. During the first two years, most patients receive five to eight band adjustments.
Lap-Band placement does not involve cutting, stapling or rerouting of the stomach and intestines, and is less invasive than the other weight loss surgery options.
How Much Weight Can I Expect to Lose with Lap-Band® Surgery?
Weight loss with the Lap-Band® will be slow, usually taking more than two to three years to reach your goal. Your doctor and the rest of your care team will help you develop a plan to meet your health and weight goals. As with any bariatric surgery, other factors including starting weight, diet after surgery and exercise habits will contribute to the total amount of weight you lose.
If you think you might qualify for weight-loss surgery or have questions about the various types of surgery, please contact your local Mercy weight loss specialists. As always, our care team is here to provide you with the best care and get you back to living and enjoying life to its fullest.
