LAP-BAND surgery, also known as adjustable gastric banding, is a minimally invasive medical weight loss procedure that is fully reversible and does not require any large incisions or permanent modifications to your digestive tract.
Here at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, our team of bariatric surgeons have extensive experience in performing gastric band surgery in New York, NY.
What Is LAP-BAND Surgery?
The LAP-BAND is an FDA-approved adjustable medical device that is surgically placed at the upper portion of the stomach to create a smaller upper pouch section without making any permanent changes to the physiology of the stomach. This type of weight loss surgery is known for its minimally invasive nature and potential for substantial weight loss.
During laparoscopic gastric banding, the patient is given sedation to keep them comfortable, while the bariatric surgeon places the band using a surgical instrument inserted through the mouth. Once the LAP-BAND has been placed, the surgeon will then connect a tiny port that is used to inflate the band with saline. This port is installed just beneath the skin in the abdomen area.
The surgeon adjusts the size of the band by filling and removing saline through the port in order to control the size of the upper stomach pouch, which limits the amount of food that the patient can hold in their stomach at any given time. If you are considering LAP-BAND surgery in NYC, our experienced bariatric team can guide you through the process, including a comprehensive post-bariatric surgery diet to support your significant weight loss journey.
How Does Gastric Banding Help Patients Lose Weight?
LAP-BAND surgery is a type of medical weight loss treatment known as restrictive. It helps patients feel full on smaller amounts of food by creating a smaller stomach pouch. When used in combination with a medically supervised nutritional program and exercise plan, patients lose weight by eating fewer calories than they previously did, ultimately leading to a reduction in excess weight.
For individuals contemplating Lap Band surgery in NYC, we offer extensive support to ensure you achieve optimal weight loss outcomes. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes, your gastric surgeon will make adjustments to your gastric band as needed based on your overall health, how full or hungry you feel, and your rate of weight loss. This is done during a regular office visit, and no sedation is required.
Unlike other types of weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass, with gastric banding, no malabsorption occurs, which eliminates many of the concerns around digestion and elimination that can develop following surgical weight loss treatment.
Who Qualifies For LAP-BAND Surgery?
Current LAP-BAND surgery requirements include a body mass index (BMI) that is higher than 40 for patients without any comorbid conditions. Patients who have one or more obesity-related co-morbidities such as arthritis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease may qualify for the adjustable gastric band procedure if they have a BMI of 30 or greater.
Prospective patients need to attend a pre-operative patient education seminar that provides information on the gastric band and other types of medical weight loss treatments, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and the duodenal switch.
Contact Us
To learn more about LAP-BAND surgery in New York & Manhattan, NY, and find out if gastric banding may be the right obesity treatment for you, contact Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program by calling 888-949-9344 or completing our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for LAP-BAND surgery?
You may qualify for LAP-BAND surgery if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 30+ with obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis. Our team will guide you through a pre-operative evaluation to determine if the procedure is right for you.
What is the recovery process like after LAP-BAND surgery?
Recovery from LAP-BAND surgery is typically quick, as it is a minimally invasive procedure. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to work in about a week. Full recovery varies but usually takes a few weeks.
How is the LAP-BAND adjusted after surgery?
The LAP-BAND is adjusted by adding or removing saline through a small port under your skin. This is done during a simple office visit without sedation. Adjustments help customize the band to your needs for optimal weight loss and comfort.
What lifestyle changes are needed after LAP-BAND surgery?
After surgery, you’ll need to follow a specific diet and gradually reintroduce solid foods. Regular exercise and follow-up visits for band adjustments are essential to achieving and maintaining your weight loss goals.
To learn more about the Lap-Band Surgery performed by our team at Lenox Hill, Lenox Hill Hospital, register for one of our Educational Bariatric Seminars or give us a call at 1-888-949-9344.
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