What You Can Expect
Change text size
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
Your surgeon will perform the lap band procedure while you are under general anesthesia, so you will be "asleep" during the surgery. The surgery lasts about 45 minutes.
Most lap band surgeries are done laparoscopically. In performing a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) lap band procedure, the surgeon inserts a small tubular instrument through small incisions in the abdomen. The instrument has a tiny camera on the end, allowing the surgeon excellent visualization of the inside of the abdomen. With specially designed surgical instruments inserted through the small incisions, the surgeon performs the lap band procedure.
During surgery, the lap band will be fastened around the upper part of your stomach. This will create a small stomach pouch. Part of the lower stomach will then be sutured over the lap band while the rest of the lower stomach will stay in its normal position. Finally, the surgeon will slightly enlarge one of your incisions in order to place the lap band access port under your skin for adjusting the lap band as needed.
It's very important to rest the stomach after the surgery. That's why you will not be allowed to drink anything for one to two hours after the operation.
After you are released from the hospital, it is very important to return for monthly visits to ensure the recovery is on track. We want to deal with any problems that may arise as soon as possible.