LAP-BAND® Blog

One of the newest and most promising forms of weight loss surgery for the morbidly obese is called the Lap Band, which involves the placement of an adjustable band to the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch for food to enter and be digested. This procedure is said to create a feeling fullness after a relatively small meal and helps the patient to lose weight faster than by traditional dieting and exercise methods. Lap Band is reversible and can be adjusted to meet the dietary and physical needs of the patient. It’s also considered much safer than other forms of weight loss surgery. However, since it’s actually a surgery of the abdomen, Lap Band weight loss surgery carries with it certain risks.

Here are some of the risks, including current fatality rates of Lap Band surgery.

Infection – Just as in any form of surgery, but most often with gastric-abdominal surgery, Lap Band surgery carries a higher rate of infection than minor surgical procedures. The area that the Lap Band occupies, the upper part of the stomach, is particularly susceptible to infections or problems as a result of the cavity it occupies. In addition, stomach acid can cause problems if the stomach is ulcerated or perforated accidentally during the band placement or as it adjusts to the stomach itself. In some cases, the band has been known to actually cut into the stomach itself and cause ulcers or openings in the stomach, allowing acid and infections to start.

Slippage – Although there have been several modifications and improvements to the Lap Band over time and use, the band can sometimes slip off the intended portion of the stomach and cause problems. The band can become entangled in other areas of the stomach cavity or it can become ineffective when it slips off the area that creates the smaller stomach pouch. This can be reduced by careful monitoring of the band over time.

Herniation – if the stomach becomes overextended from the patient overeating, the band can cause the stomach to herniate. The catheter port that sits near the outside of the abdomen wall where the physician inserts fluid to adjust the band internally can also become herniated. Again, careful monitoring of the band and all its components, as well as careful adherence to a strict diet, may prevent this from occurring.

Fatality – Just as in any other form of surgery, there is always the risk of death. It’s unfortunate that in some cases, Lap Band patients have died during the actual surgical procedure or from complications that occurred as a result of the Lap Band surgery. These fatalities may have included excessive blood loss during surgery, heart failure, stroke, leakage of stomach acids into the abdomen or post surgical infection. The current fatality rate for Lap Band surgery is less than 1%, so it is relatively safe as compared to other forms of weight loss surgery or morbid obesity in general.

If you are considering Lap Band weight loss surgery, you and your doctor should discuss all the possible advantages and risks associated with this procedure before-hand to get the best results.

One of the biggest advantages of lap band surgery is that it is adjustable. Rather than being permanent like a gastric bypass, the lap band can be adjusted to ensure that the patient is losing weight at the optimum rate. This is done by inflating or deflating the band, using the port to remove or inject saline solution.

With these adjustments, it is possible to squeeze or release the stomach, resulting in more or less food being ingested. In general, the lap band will be left at the minimal setting while the patient recovers from the surgery. At the follow up appointment, the doctor will inject more saline to inflate the ring around the stomach. This amount will then be adjusted, depending on how quickly the patient loses weight.

Costs of Lap Band Surgery

Many surgeons include the follow up appointment and further adjustments after the initial surgery in their overall cost. So, for many patients, what they pay for the surgery will also cover the cost of their lap band adjustments.

Prices for this type of procedure vary widely, depending on where you go to have the surgery. However, prices range anywhere from $15,000-25,000 in the United States.  Some people choose to go to Mexico, but this is risky since the medical practices are not well regulated and if something happens, the patient is far from home. The cost of travel, including returning for follow ups can be quite expensive, as well, if you have the surgery out of country.

Cost of Adjustments

The lap band will need to be adjusted periodically to allow more or less food to go through the stomach. If the band is too loose, the patient will not feel full, will overeat and fail to lose weight, negating the point of having the procedure done. However, if the band is too tight, it will be impossible to eat solid foods and only liquids or mushy food will be tolerated by the stomach, which can be quite limiting and may also result in excessive weight loss. Since this can be dangerous to the patient`s health, the band will need to be adjusted accordingly. It also allows for changes in the patient`s condition . . . for example, a pregnant woman will need to have her band deflated to allow for the nutritional needs of the baby.

In some cases, though it is not usual, the surgery cost doesn`t include follow ups and lap band adjustments. It`s important to check this when making arrangements with a doctor. It`s not very good to be surprised later on with extra costs when the adjustments need to be made. Depending on the doctor and whether or not insurance covers part of the lap band adjustments, a change to the band can cost anywhere from $100-300 in the United States.

Since the initial surgery is so pricey, it makes sense that the adjustments would be included in the price. However, if the patient doesn`t make sure that this is included, he or she could be in for an unpleasant surprise. Not having the adjustments done by a professional is a recipe for disaster and since the entire purpose of having lap band surgery is to lose weight, it makes sense to invest in regular updates to the band.

Without the proper adjustments, the patient will not lose weight as desired  . . . he or she may end up losing too quickly and falling ill, or just the opposite, not losing anything at all. To ensure that the surgery works as intended, checkups are required and periodic changes to the band`s tightness.

In an effort to be thin, many overweight individuals look towards gastric bypass surgery to help them shed unwanted pounds. Generally, the procedure is reserved for the morbidly obese, so if you simply wish to lose a few inches off of your waist, surgery may not be an option for you.

Morbidly obesity is defined as individuals who have hundreds of pounds to lose.  Most often than not, they have health issues related to their gain that makes the weight loss extremely necessary. Unfortunately, there are many risks associated with traditional gastric bypass operations. Thankfully, a new procedure called lap band surgery offers new hope for those who wish to undergo this revolutionary technique.

Why lap band surgery was born

With traditional gastric bypass and stomach stapling, an individual risked issues with their heart, lungs and gastrointestinal areas. In some cases, serious infection could result with deadly consequences. The potential for health issues caused by malnutrition was also a major problem.

When the lap band was created, the manufactures sought to minimize many of the risks that were inherent with this kind of bariatric operation gastric bypass surgery.  For instance, malnutrition was greatly minimized a well as downtime. Also, because it involved no cutting or stapling, there are less post operative complications than with other gastric bypass related surgeries.

This isn’t to say that the lap band procedure does not carry any dangers, so it is best to talk with a doctor about potential problems before undergoing any major, elective operation.

What is lap band surgery?

Lap band surgery, also called laparoscopic obesity surgery, is a type of gastric bypass procedure that introduces an adjustable gastric banding system into the gastrointestinal area of the body.  The band, which attaches to the stoma, allows a person to eat less but sustain a feeling of being full. It is also reversible, meaning it can be removed with little to no side effects for the recipient, something that couldn’t be said for the old fashioned gastric bypass surgeries.   These advancements have made this particular type of gastric bypass surgery safer.

Benefits of the lap band

Because the lap band is adjustable, it can be modified to suit the patient’s needs any time after surgery. It can also be fully removed laparoscopically. The hospital stay is usually very short as well, and people can get on with their lives fairly quickly after surgery.  People who choose the lap band technique also lose weight far faster than those who go the old fashioned diet and exercise route alone. They also find it easier to lose weight and to keep it off for good. This is because the lap band can help a person with a tremendous weight to lose stay on course by helping them feel full and eat less.

Alongside diet and lifestyle changes, the lap band can help people who are serious about weight loss shed pounds and lead healthier, happier lives.

Lap band safety

As far as it goes, lap band procedures are about as safe as any major surgery. Associated gastric bypass risks are greatly reduced by the fact that no cutting or stapling is involved. The lap band system is also reversible and less than 1% of patients report any real serious concerns. If you are interested in lap band surgery do your homework and consult with a certified physician with expertise in the field before making any firm decisions.

By taking time to investigate the procedure you will make an informed decision and greatly decrease any risks associated with lap band surgeries. This will ensure that you get the outcome you have dreamt of, which the body of your dreams.

By now most people who are struggling with obesity have probably heard of the lap band surgery in one form or another. This popular weight loss surgery is really short form for the adjustable gastric banding procedure or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure if you really want the long-tail version. For those that have decided to go forth with the surgery, they have probably done a lot of research in terms of the costs of the procedure.

According to Surgery Costs – which is a site dedicated to providing useful quotes on many types of surgeries – the lap band surgery costs is estimated at $21, 525. This is consistent with the price ranges that we’ve seen for the lap band procedure throughout the United States. Other useful resources to check out that also feature a user review format would be something like Yahoo Answers. To see what others said on that forum click here.

From what we’ve seen, prices can range anywhere from $19,000 all the way up to $27,000 and beyond in some cases. That’s why for those that don’t get any insurance coverage (pretty rare for obesity patients) or those who can’t afford $25k they might look at getting the procedure done in Mexico or India for substantially cheaper.

We know that’s obviously not many people’s first choice for those that are living in the United States, so for those that are willing there are some great clinics in Toronto that offer the surgery for $18,000 CDN, and when you consider the exchange rate that’s really only around $14,500 US!! To pay that for a top-notch facility without having to travel too far from home (assuming you’re in the Northern States) is really a strong option for some who find the adjustable gastric banding cost too extreme. So, before you decide on the lap band surgery make sure you consider all the options you have in terms of costs as well as the location where to get the actual surgery done as there are many top-notch facilities around the world that offer this type of weight loss surgery.

Weight loss surgery is a serious decision to make because it is also life altering. It involves you making lifestyle changes that you have to more or less stick to for the rest of your life. If you don’t, then the entire procedure can reverse itself and the weight will come back. That is something you certainly want to avoid.

Because of the lifestyle changes that must be made, there are things that must be considered before having lap band surgery. Five of those considerations are:

-    Anyone with alcohol or drug dependency will not be eligible for the procedure. The doctor may say that small amounts of red wine are okay, but anything other than that cannot be ingested after the lap band has been put in place. This is because individuals with addictions such as drugs and alcohol can cause severe harm to themselves and they can reverse the process.

-    Thinking of lap band surgery can be quite exciting, but you have to make sure you take into consideration the fact that the lifestyle changes are major. Your eating is easier to control because the band is placed around part of the stomach through a minimally invasive surgery, creating a small pouch. This is why those with lap band cannot eat as much as they used to. You have to be willing to stick with your portions and change the food you eat. This means minimal junk food.

-    Another important consideration is that you will have to exercise at some point. The weight loss surgery alone can do great things, but exercise can do even greater things. This is because the body needs toned up during and after the weight loss. The weight loss can be so incredible that the body needs to take on a shape. You will also feel more energetic and feel like you can do more things on a day-to-day basis.

-    Keep in mind that there are complications that can occur with weight loss surgery. Those complications include large chunks of food becoming trapped in the passage between the smaller stomach section and the larger section, constipation, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, abnormal stools, and there are also complications that can occur with the band.

-    The band may have to be adjusted. Because there is a small port to the band that is right under the skin, port displacement can become an issue. The port is so the doctor can inject saline into the band and aspirate it if the band needs to be looser for comfort reasons. It may take a while to find the right comfort level.

Weight loss is exciting because you can watch yourself transform right before your own eyes. However, it has to be done right. When done right, the results are amazing. You will feel better, look better, you are adding years onto your life, you are doing your family an amazing favor, and life is going to be better in general.

When you stick with the plan that your doctor places you on after your weight loss surgery, you will see the best results. Any deviation from that plan can result in the small stomach pouch becoming larger. That is something to be careful of because the stomach is expandable. The stomach being expandable is one of the reasons why so many individuals can eat so much food. It takes so much to fill their stomach. With lap band surgery, that problem is eradicated. As a matter of fact, a lot of problems that exist before lap band surgery are eradicated.

You’ve done the research, you qualify for the procedure, you know how you will pay for it, and you have thought long and hard about whether or not weight loss surgery is the right thing for you to do, and all of the signs point to ‘yes’. But with all of these decisions made, what comes next? Now, the final step before your operation is finding a qualified surgeon to handle your Lap-Band® surgery.

This may seem like the easiest part, but don’t be deceived. While the Lap-Band® is a simple procedure that is handled by over 3,000 surgeons in the US alone, you still want to make sure that everything checks out, and you get the most qualified practitioner around, before you settle on a doctor. Follow these steps to find the right surgeon to perform your weight loss surgery.

1. Use the many online resources to begin your search.
2. Choose a few likely candidates from the mass of names, and mark them down. You will want to do plenty of research on each surgeon to find out if they have the credentials that you can trust. Try visiting the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, which will list all doctors who are board certified. If one of your choices isn’t on the list, cross them off.
3. Visit the American Medical Association’s website, and do a search of each doctor. For a small fee you can get a detailed history on any physician in the country, including malpractice suits.
4. Take all of the names left on your list and begin contacting their offices to find out more about how they perform their procedures, if they provide follow-up care, and if they take your insurance. In the end this should give you the final details to help you make an informed decision.

Keep in mind that every surgery holds some risk to the patient, particularly to the morbidly obese. However, the Lap-Band® System is a much safer method then any other, including Gastric Bypass, as it is minimally invasive and can be performed laparoscopically, which minimizes the risks.

Nevertheless, you will want to make sure the surgeon who does your gastric band is completely qualified, and has performed the procedure at least 100 times, which is the minimum amount of operations a surgeon must have been involved in to become board certified. Pay close attention to what percentage of those were performed by the surgeon themselves.

Using these tips you should easily find the right doctor to handle your Lap-Band® surgery and out patient care, allowing you to focus on your recovery and weight loss. So, start looking for your surgeon today, and you could be on your way to a happier, healthier life thanks to the Lap-Band® System in no time.

As mentioned previously in one of our earlier posts, one of the most successful lap band stories has been the story of CIBO clinic founder Tom Saridis. Tom had the lap band surgery and in total lost over 260 pounds! Then, he went on to found one of the most successful lap band clinics in Canada because he was dissatisfied with the lack of post surgery support he received while in treatment and recovery from his surgery.

Below is a video of Tom’s amazing story!

The video talks a bit about Tom’s story and the CIBO clinic and then goes on to describe what the lap band surgery is and how it can help people struggling with obesity. It’s a really great video be sure to check it out!

Many people confuse the lap band surgery with other bariatric surgeries. The main cause behind this is that the lap band procedure is often referred to as “gastric banding”, which it is. The procedure is also known by it’s official name; laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery. The lap band is even now being referred to as the ‘slim band’, as different lap band providers battle over the trademarks and marketing slogans they are able to legally use.

At the end of the day, the lap band surgery falls under a bariatric surgery, but it should not be confused with other bariatric surgeries which are much more dangerous when compared to the lap band surgery. Below are some of the most important benefits of the lap band surgery when compared to other bariatric surgeries.

Lower Mortality Rate: Much lower with the lap band surgery. On average, only 1 in 2000 deaths when compared to 1 in 200 for the gastric bypass surgery.

Fully-reversible Procedure: That’s right. The entire lap band surgery is completely reversible since there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach like there is with other malabsorptive weight loss surgeries like Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) and Duodenal Switch (DS). As a result, once the band is removed the stomach returns to the same state it was in before the surgery ever occured.

Fast Recovery: The lap band surgery is really a breeze. It only takes about 45 minutes to an hour and then you have your follow up assessments and injections. Remember that the band is adjustable so there is no need for additional surgery once the band has been placed around the stomach. The hospital stay is very short, ranging from a few hours to a couple of days, and most people fully recover within 6-8 weeks.

No Malabsorption Issues: After the lap band surgery, there is no need for calcium supplements and vitamin B12 injections like there is with RNY (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery). Also, there are no chances of gastric dumping since no intestines were removed or re-routed.