Lap-Band System

If diet and exercise are not working over the long term, the Lap-Band® weight-loss procedure might be the choice for you. The least invasive bariatric procedure, the Lap-Band system uses an adjustable band to limit the amount of food your stomach can hold.

How is Lap-Band Surgery Performed?

The bariatric surgeon places a band around the upper part of your stomach to create a small pouch that holds food. This limits the amount of food your stomach can hold and will make you feel full after eating a smaller amount. Your surgeon will be able to adjust the tightness of the band as you progressively lose weight, allowing for weight control to avoid weight gain.

For this procedure, the surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a special medical device with a small camera and other instruments. The band is then surgically placed around the upper part of your stomach to limit volume and mass.

Advantages of Lap-Band Weight-Loss Surgery

Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the Lap-Band system does not require cutting or reattaching any part of the stomach or small intestine.The robotic-assisted procedure slows the digestive system, which can help satisfy your appetite for several hours. You may eat less food, without affecting the absorption of nutrients, and feel full for hours afterward.

Because it is a minimally invasive procedure, patients may experience a shorter hospital stay, less pain, fewer complications and a quicker recovery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is serious because it is associated with poorer mental health outcomes and reduced quality of life. Obesity is also associated with the leading causes of death in the United States and worldwide. Obesity can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers.

Is minimally invasive gastric band surgery considered safe?

Yes. Gastric band surgery, also known as lap-band surgery or adjustable gastric banding, is considered a safe and effective weight-loss solution for people always struggling with obesity. At Manatee Weight Loss Center in Bradenton, FL, we prioritize patient safety by utilizing advanced surgical techniques and thorough preoperative assessments.

Our team of experienced surgeons helps ensure that each patient is thoroughly evaluated to determine if they meet the gastric band surgery requirements, address any potential risks and create an individualized plan to optimize outcomes. The adjustable gastric band allows for personalized adjustments, which can enhance both safety and efficacy in achieving significant weight loss.

However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential gastric band side effects, risks and complications. Common concerns include infection, band slippage and digestive issues. At Manatee Weight Loss Center, we’re committed to providing ongoing support and monitoring throughout your weight-loss journey to lessen these risks.

Our dedicated team offers preoperative counseling and post-operative care, as well as many other weight-loss resources to help manage any health issue and to help ensure a smooth recovery process. 

Read success stories from inspiring weight-loss patients →

 Is Lap-Band surgery right for me?

Many factors – such as your health, age, medical history and weight-loss goals – will help determine if you are an eligible candidate for adjustable gastric banding surgery using the Lap-Band system. Certain conditions preclude patients from scheduling Lap-Band surgery including people with heart-health issues or a history of  heart disease, heart failure or prior heart attack.

Remember, surgery alone does not solve the problem. Practical, straightforward weight-loss strategies may be necessary both before and after surgery, including regular exercise, low-fat diets, intermittent fasting to achieve long-term results. For example, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that healthy adults aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise such as brisk walking, yoga, strength training, biking and weight lifting – on most days of the week. There are many more positive lifestyle habits to embrace along the complex weight-loss journey.

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Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery or robotic surgery is right for you.