Lap Band Surgery Questions

What are the costs needed up front?
None, except in the case of pre-op testing. These exams can cost up to $1000 or more depending on how and where they are done.

How do you rate your hospital facilities, surgeons, staff, and medical equipment?
All of our hospitals and clinics in our locations are modern up-to-date medical facilities providing quality care and equipment.

What information is required to qualify as a candidate for LAP-BAND surgery?
You must be between the ages of 18 and 55, and at least 100 pounds overweight, or a Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 35 and 40+ to be eligible for this surgery (or a BMI of 35 with significant co-morbidity). You should be in reasonably good health and your health information should include any current or past medical problems. Patients with severe and irreversible medical problems are considered ineligible for this surgical procedure.

Can I have this procedure done having had prior gallbladder surgery?
Yes, providing pre-op tests do not reveal any other problems. In other cases, the patient has an Ultrasound done to determine If they have developed gallstones, in that case the gallbladder is removed during surgery.

If I am allergic to medication, does this affect my eligibility?
Generally, being allergic to medication is not contra-indicative to surgery. But we should know what allergy it is.

Are there complications if you ever plan on getting pregnant?
No, in fact surgery in many cases can increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

What pre-op exams do I need, and where can I have them done?
Pre-op exams are required before any surgery is scheduled. These tests include: Upper GI Series, EKG, Chest X-Ray, Gallbladder Ultra Sound, Blood & Urine Analysis and are required before any surgery can be scheduled. These tests can be done by a lab or local hospital preferably through your doctor in your area. In some instances, exams can also be done at one of our hospital locations abroad prior to surgery.

How many days in the hospital, and how much down from work is necessary?
The LAP-BAND operation is performed under a general anesthetic and takes about 75 minutes. Because it is a mini-invasive surgical procedure, the patient normally spends a total of 3 days in the hospital, and can generally resume their activities and be back at work within one week if need be.

What is the band inflated with?
Once in position, an adjustment is done by inflating or deflating the band with a sterile saline solution through the access port located just below the skin.

What about long-term follow-up care or adjustments?
This a very important part of the success of this procedure. Regular follow-up visits with your doctor must be maintained to examine weight loss progress, or for any adjustments to the band that may be necessary. We are establishing a network of physicians around the USA to assist us in this phase of the program. If you do not have a doctor who does this, contact us and we can offer assistance in finding a physician in your area. You must organize who and where your follow-up will be done before you have surgery.

People have experienced stretching of the gastroplasty pouch, is this common with the LAP BAND?
With the LAP BAND, follow-up care is extremely important to monitor the band's placement and position. Adjustments may be required along the way to insure proper band functionality.

Is the LAP BAND reversible? Is it a life-long implant or should it be removed after time?
The Lap-Band can be removed, however it is normally a life-long commitment that is intended to help keep weight off.

Can I expect post-operative problems with eating, or bowel movements?
After surgery, you will have to learn new dietary habits. While this new eating pattern is being established, expect some episodes of vomiting. For up to three days after surgery in the hospital, only small amounts of clear liquids will be allowed. Solid foods will not be introduced until clear liquids and soft foods can be consumed. The progression to solids is slow and varies among patients. Initially, you begin with only eight teaspoons of food. Eating must be done slowly and stopped when you feel full. Only small portions three times a day are allowed. Eating too much at one sitting can cause vomiting.

What is the average monthly/yearly weight loss?
Weight loss is difficult to project. After surgery, only by carefully following the new eating patterns and exercising daily, a patient can lose more than 30 kilos (about 65 lbs. in the first year). Compared to Gastric Bypass surgery the weight loss is about the same. The results vary for everyone.

Can I expect to gain weight after several years even with the LAP-BAND?
The weight loss process is long and arduous, and only by rigorously following new dietary habits, and exercising regularly, will keep the weight off. If you are ready to make this commitment for yourself, the LAP BAND can offer a way to shed that weight and get back to living a long and healthy life.

Is there any scarring after surgery?
Since laparoscopic surgery is minimally-invasive, there is minimal scarring. You will have 5 to 6 small incisions that usually heal quickly.

What are the risk factors in LAP-BAND surgery?
Any gastric operation for obesity is major surgery and carries with it the risks that would go with any complex operation. Although the LAP-BAND procedure is minimally invasive surgery, it is not without its own risks. Infections can develop around the stomach band or at the site where the reservoir is placed under the skin. In such an event, a patient would be required to stay in the hospital a few extra days for the infection to clear. Bleeding or injury to the spleen, may require conversion to an open procedure. The access port or the band may leak and may need to be replaced. While the risk of dying during the operation is small (about 0.5 in 1000), there is a slight risk because of either a heart attack or a life-threatening blood clot passing into the lungs.

Is there a waiting list?
No, but the whole process to surgery is done in stages and when all this is completed surgery can be scheduled.

How do I begin the process, and contact a surgeon?
By answering the preliminary questions on our contact us page.