The LAP-BAND® System
The Lap band procedure is a minimally invasive bariatric surgery that can help you gradually lose weight and keep it off for a healthier lifestyle. New Hope Surgical Weight Loss Center offers Lap Band Surgery in Chicago and surrounding suburbs as an in-patient procedure with minimal downtime.
To schedule an appointment with our bariatric surgeon or to get more information about the Lap-Band weight loss surgery, simply give us a call at 312-883-8660
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What is the Lap-Band?
The LAP-BAND® system, also known as laparoscopic banding, or gastric banding, is a surgical procedure to help treat morbid obesity. It is a laparoscopic procedure meaning that only tiny incisions are made in the abdomen to perform the surgery compared to a traditional open surgery technique. The bariatric surgeon will then place an adjustable gastric band that creates a small pouch on the upper portion of your stomach. The surgery typically lasts less than an hour. It also does not have a lengthy recovery or involves cutting the stomach or other anatomy than other more invasive bariatric procedures.
It works by the restrictive approach, as a stomach pouch is created by the surgeon limits the amount of food intake. Meaning you will feel full with less food, thus lowering your caloric intake and aid in excess weight loss. It is adjustable and reversible, which makes it quite appealing to many. The adjustable gastric banding aspect makes it ideal for long term weight loss. If your band needs to be tightened to lose more weight or loosed if you are pregnant to allow you to provide additional nutrition to your baby, it makes it a very flexible tool in this aspect.
This surgery can also be a single incision laparoscopic (SILS) option, which is done through the belly button with only one incision with virtually no visible scar. Some bariatric surgeons can also perform the procedure via robotic surgery. However, not all surgeons do the SILS or robotic approach. It is a safer bariatric procedure compared to gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, with one of the lowest mortality rates compared to other surgical weight loss procedures.
Quick Facts
About the Lap-Band
Quick Facts About the Lap-Band
- Adjustable
- Reversible
- No cutting of the stomach
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker recovery compared to the sleeve gastrectomy and the laparoscopic gastric bypass
- Improvement or resolution of Type 2 diabetes
- Total mortality rate 0.22% (one of the safest bariatric surgery options)
Who is the Lap Band for?
Remember that your doctor is the key component that can help you decide if the LAP-BAND® system is right for you.
Here are the common requirements for having the lap band surgery.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- You need to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 or have a BMI of 30 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions (Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease etc.).
- A history of prior unsuccessful weight loss attempts such as exercise, dieting, or drug therapy.
- You are currently not suffering from any other disease that may have caused your excess weight.
- You do not drink alcohol in excess and not addicted to drugs.
- You are prepared to make major changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
- You are not currently pregnant (patients who become pregnant after their gastric band placement may require adjustments or removal).
Lap-Band Success Tip:
A monthly follow-up is an essential part of your successful long-term weight loss. Schedule a follow-up consultation at our Chicagoland lap band location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the Lap Ban system has been shown to be effective in BMIs that are 40+. However, your doctor may suggest a different bariatric surgery based on your pre-existing conditions. It is always best to consult with a doctor to see which bariatric surgery is right for you.
Bariatric patients experience a recovery time generally between 2 – 10 days for the gastric banding procedure.
An appointment needs to be scheduled if you have experienced any of the following:
- Have not lost weight in two or more weeks
- Have gained weight
- The band feels too tight
- Excess discomfort, heartburn, regurgitation, and coughing
Variety of factors may disqualify you from being a candidate for the LAP-BAND® system. It is always best to speak to a medical professional to review your qualifications. You may not be a good candidate if you have:
- Cirrhosis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- An addiction to drugs or alcohol
- An inflammatory disease or condition of the
gastrointestinal tract (ulcers, severe esophagitis,
Crohn’s disease) - Severe lung or heart disease
- Any disease that makes you a poor candidate for any
surgery - Problem that can cause bleeding in the stomach or
esophagus. (dilated veins or telangiectasia) - An Infection anywhere in your body.
- A history of chronic or long-term steroid use
- An allergy to the materials of the device
- An intolerance to an implanted device
- Portal hypertension
- An irregular / not normal esophagus, stomach or
intestine. (example: narrow opening) - Experienced an intraoperative gastric injury
(example: gastric perforation at or near the
placement location) - An autoimmune connective tissue disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases or if someone in your family has these types of diseases.
