LAP-BAND® - Frequently Asked Questions
LAP-BAND® surgery helps with weight loss by restricting the amount of food you can eat. During the LAP-BAND® surgery, a gastric band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This small stomach pouch allows the patient to eat a small amount of food at a time. It is important to ask your surgeon any questions you have about bariatric surgery or the LAP-BAND® system before undergoing weight loss surgery. Here are the most frequently asked questions about this procedure.
How much weight can I expect to lose with LAP-BAND® surgery?
Most LAP-BAD® surgery patients begin at least 100 pounds overweight, and lose between 1 1/2 and 2 pounds per week. You can expect to lose half or more of your excess weight in the year following your surgery. Your individual results may vary depending on a combination of factors, including your diet and exercise routine as well as your starting weight.
How is the gastric band adjusted?
One of the major benefits of the LAP-BAND® is that it can be adjusted to change the amount of food that can be consumed. A port under the skin allows a balloon in the band to be inflated or deflated through an injection of saline. Adjustments, known as "fills," are done in the weight loss surgery office.
Is the LAP-BAND® surgery reversible?
Yes, this weight loss procedure is fully reversible with a second surgery. Although there is rarely a medical reason to remove the gastric band, it is a relatively simple procedure to do so.
How soon can patients return to work?
Most patients return to work in one to three weeks, depending on their job environment. It can take up to six weeks before you feel ready to return to heavy lifting or other physical jobs.
Will insurance cover LAP-BAND® surgery?
Many insurance plans will cover the surgery, especially if you have documentation of previous physician-supervised weight loss efforts, including diet and exercise changes.
Will I be able to eat restaurant food?
Many potential patients fear that they will be unable to enjoy eating with friends following the LAP-BAND procedure. Following the recovery period, you can eat regular food, including food from restaurants. Plan a healthy and balanced diet, and order a small entree or appetizer.
Will I feel hungry with the LAP-BAND®?
Many patients worry that the small amount of food they're able to eat with the LAP-BAND® will leave them feeling hungry. By reducing your stomach capacity and increasing the time it takes to digest your food, the LAP-BAND® can help you feel full while eating less.
To speak with a skilled bariatric surgeon about LAP-BAND® surgery, Roux-en-Y surgery, and other weight loss surgery issues, be sure to contact our Pleasanton bariatric and weight loss surgery center.