Lap band surgery is the obesity surgical procedure with the fewest operative complications. The weight loss seen in most patients is significant enough to dramatically alter their medical conditions. Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and other conditions are directly reduced in proportion to the amount of weight lost.

• Lap band surgery is safe, effective and reversible.
• Generally performed on an outpatient, ambulatory surgical basis.
• Patients return to work and normal activity rapidly.
• Patient’s progress is monitored post operatively as the body heals.
• The band can be adjusted to the needs of each individual patient.
• The goal is to stimulate early satisfaction after eating without discomfort.
• Adjustments are performed in an office setting.

Success with lap band surgery depends more on patient compliance than the other bariatric surgery options. Weight loss is gradual with an expected rate of 1-2 pounds per week. Average American patients will lose between 30-55% of their excess weight in 12-18 months. Some patients have been reported to continue slow gradual weight loss for 4-5 years post-operative depending on their adoption of proper lifestyle change.

The lap-band is designed to be a permanent structure and to remain in place for the life of the patient. The band is a mechanical device, and can require further surgery. “Slippage” can occur when the stomach pushes itself upward through the ring of the band and becomes entrapped. This may require urgent or emergent surgery to open the band, reduce the stomach and suture the band back to its usual position. It is NOT common. It happens in less than 5% of patients.