LAP-BAND® surgery is a serious procedure that involves the dedication of the patient, physician and medical weight loss team. It’s not easy. As people who’ve struggled with weight issues their entire life know, there is no simple solution, but with patience, motivation and commitment to lifestyle changes LAP-BAND® surgery can lead to a longer and healthier life.
LAP-BAND® is a restrictive procedure, it works by reducing the amount of food consumed at one time, yet doesn't interfere with the normal absorption of food.
The surgeon places an adjustable, hollow LAP-BAND® around the upper part of your stomach. The LAP-BAND® divides the stomach into two sections, a small upper pouch and a larger lower section. The LAP-BAND® is then connected by a tube to a reservoir placed beneath your skin during surgery. After surgery, the size of the opening between the upper stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach is narrowed by injecting saline into the reservoir via a fine needle through the skin causing the inner part of the LAP-BAND® to expand. As the opening that divides the two stomach sections becomes narrower with subsequent adjustments, food stays longer in the upper stomach pouch and one feels full for a longer period of time.
Life after LAP-BAND®
LAP-BAND® patients typically lose 50 – 60% excess weight at eighteen months after surgery.
The primary advantage of the LAP-BAND® procedure is that it reduces the amount of food consumed at one time, yet doesn't interfere with the normal absorption of nutrients and vitamins.
It is the least invasive surgery since there is no stomach stapling, cutting or intestinal rerouting; there is no risk of intestinal leak or dumping.
Quality of life drastically improves for our patients, with surgery resolving or improving 90% of patients’ diabetes, 96% of patient’s hypertension, and 73% of patient’s obstructive sleep apnea. (Visit Health Benefits)
Weight loss after gastric band surgery improves fertility. (See article)
LAP-BAND® Surgery Recovery & Follow-up
Surgery takes approximately one hour to perform.
Our patients leave the hospital either the same day or one day after LAP-BAND® surgery.
Return to work varies from one week to three weeks depending on the type of work.
No heavy lifting (more than 10lbs) is allowed for four to six weeks after surgery.
The LAP-BAND® is adjusted in the office without requiring further surgery.
You will have the support of our dedicated team of medical professionals who will work with you on nutrition, exercise, psychological, and physical therapy needs both before surgery and for the long-term.
Potential Concerns of LAP-BAND®
Regular monthly follow up for the first year after LAP-BAND® surgery is critical for optimal weight loss.
The LAP-BAND® needs to be adjusted approximately 3-5 times in the first year to obtain the desired long-term weight loss, therefore patients need to be committed to regular follow-up with the same surgeon for the first few years.
Patients who are sweet eaters (high calorie shakes, chocolate or soda) will have a more difficult time losing weight with the LAP-BAND® procedure. It is recommended that patients give up eating excessive amounts of sweets and liquid calories prior to surgery.
Visit risks of surgery for full descriptions of the risks associated with LAP-BAND® surgery.
Achieving dramatic, sustainable weight loss is within your reach, and the team at New Jersey Bariatric Center can help! Our approach to patient care has resulted in zero mortality to date, zero leak rate, and a complication rate that is lower than the national average. These surgical results stand out as some of the best in the nation.
If you or someone you love is considering the LAP-BAND® procedure please join us for one of our free educational seminars. To register, call (908) 481-1270 or click here.
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