Frequently Asked Questions About The Lap-Band®

Q: How is the Lap-Band® different from gastric bypass surgery?

A: The Lap-Band® is a silicone band that is placed around the stomach, creating a small upper stomach pouch that prevents a patient from eating excessively. It is only a restrictive device (not a malabsorptive one), and can be adjusted and/or removed, if necessary. The procedure to place the band is done laparoscopically on an outpatient basis, so our patients go home the same day as surgery in most cases. Recovery is relatively quick - with patients returning to work and/or most normal activities within 4-5 days. It is currently the least invasive form of bariatric surgery, with a relatively low complication rate compared to alternate obesity surgeries. (Read more about the Lap-Band® procedure) Gastric bypass surgery involves permanently changing the shape of the stomach by surgically reducing (cutting or stapling) its size to an egg-sized pouch, and then bypassing a portion of the digestive tract with the new smaller stomach. This type of surgery has both a restrictive and a malabsorptive effect, and unlike the Lap-Band®, it is essentially irreversible. Generally, gastric bypass patients stay in the hospital 3-4 days following surgery, and recovery takes approximately 2-4 weeks. Due to the nature of the procedure, gastric bypass surgery has a higher rate of severe complications following surgery and a significant mortality rate.

Q: How overweight do I need to be to consider the Lap-Band®?

A: You should be at least 40-100 pounds overweight to consider the Lap-Band® System. A better measure for determining your eligibility, however, is your BMI (Body Mass Index), a calculation based on your height and weight (Click here to calculate your BMI) The Lap-Band® is generally recommended for patients with a BMI of 35-60.

Q: Is the Lap-Band® surgery safe?

A: Yes. The Lap-Band® procedure is considered the least invasive bariatric surgery available — offering fewer complications, less pain, less scarring, and a quicker recovery than any other form of obesity surgery. However, you should discuss this directly with your surgeon.

Q: What is the average excess weight loss and improvement of related health conditions for patients?

A: On average, Lap-Band® patients have lost about 50% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery. Most of patients' associated medical problems, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, joint pain, or high blood pressure, have improved or disappeared completely after the Lap-Band® procedure. Weight loss goals can be discussed in further detail with you during your initial consultation.

Q: What type of exercise do you recommend post-operatively?

A: Walking is great exercise to start out with following your surgery. After 6 weeks you may do any exercise you would like — aerobics, bicycling, running, strength conditioning, etc. Exercise is an important part of your post-surgery regimen, as it will facilitate weight loss and contribute to your overall health and well-being.

Q:  What is the average recovery time?

A: You should be up and walking within 45 minutes of your procedure, which will help blood flow and circulation. Depending on the type of work you do, your medical history, and your doctor's recommendation, you should be ready to return to work comfortably between three to five days. Those with particularly strenuous jobs or jobs requiring heavy lifting might want to take off a few more days.

Q:  What are the advantages of the LAP-BAND® compared to the gastric bypass?

A: The LAP-BAND® is completely reversible and adjustable. The gastric bypass involves complicated cutting and re-routing of internal organs and carries a much higher complication and mortality rate. Recovery time after the LAP-BAND® procedure is usually three to five days. Although initial weight-loss is slower with the band than with the bypass, patients of both procedures typically report similar amounts of weight lost after several years. This slower loss allows you time to make the physical and mental adjustments needed to achieve a healthier lifestyle, and gives your skin an opportunity to "snap back," reducing the problem of excess skin.

Q:  Is the LAP-BAND® designed to stay in place indefinitely?

A: The LAP-BAND® is designed to stay in your body as long as you want it there. It can be removed safely, at which time the stomach will return to normal and your internal organs will not be disturbed. Most of our patients choose to keep the band even after they've reached their goal weight. 

Q:  Is an overnight stay required for this procedure?

A: Patients typically go home in two to four hours after having the surgery. 

Q:  Will my eating habits change with the LAP-BAND®?

A: The band won't change your habits for you, but it will change your ability to continue with those habits. Consuming large amounts of food several times a day will no longer be possible. The LAP-BAND® will help you win your weight-loss battle by allowing you the willpower to make the necessary changes for a healthier life.