Lap Band Surgery

Lap-Band Surgery for Weight Loss

• Adjustable and completely reversible
• Food is digested and absorbed normally
• Limits the amount of food you can eat

Lap-Band or gastric band surgery is performed by placing a band around the top part of the stomach to create a smaller section of stomach. The stomach becomes full on a smaller amount of food. The stomach also empties more slowly, thereby relieving hunger. Digestion occurs normally and food absorption is not affected.

If the rate of weight loss is not where you want it to be, the band can be adjusted or removed.

Is the Lap-Band Right for You?

• BMI between 30-40 with one or more weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea
• Body mass index (BMI) higher than 40
• Willingness to make a life-long commitment to new eating habits

Bariatric surgeons at Hackensack Meridian Health are highly experienced in gastric band surgery. We can help you decide if this approach is right for you.

Advantages of Lap-Band Surgery

Faster recovery than other types of weight loss surgery

No cutting or stapling of the stomach

No intestinal re-routing

Adjustable without surgery

Individualized size restriction

Compatible with pregnancy

Completely reversible to restore normal stomach anatomy

No dumping syndrome – symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness or diarrhea – when eating too much sugar or large amounts of food

No risk of anemia

Potential Disadvantages of Lap-Band Surgery

• Access port may leak or twist, requiring surgery to correct the problem
• Band may erode into the stomach wall
• Band may slip out of place
• Lack of feeling satisfied that you’ve had enough to eat
• Lower percentage of weight loss than with gastric bypass surgery