Lap band surgery uses an adjustable silicone ring, or band, to restrict the flow of food providing you a sense of satiety (not hungry) for a longer period of time. The band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach during a minimally invasive procedure. Dr. Baptista normally uses only one trocar inserted at your belly button where the surgical instruments have access to your abdominal cavity. It leaves almost no scars. At the same time, a small port, connected to the band, is implanted under your skin. Your doctor can adjust your band in the office. By injecting or removing sterile saline solution through the port that is connected to the band, the snugness is changed to make the flow of food slower or faster.

The lap band “separates” your stomach into two sections – a smaller “pouch” above the band, and a larger section bellow it. When you eat, food travels to the smaller pouch so you are not as hungry reaching satiety sooner. Since it restricts the flow of food, lap band surgery falls into the category of restrictive weight loss procedures.

Lap band surgery has been used for decades, and a well-trained surgeon and physician can assist you in your weight loss and minimize the chance of problems. It offers many benefits for patients, making it an extremely popular type of weight loss surgery:

• It’s completely reversible
• The stomach is never cut or stapled, you keep your stomach and intestines the same way
• The surgery does not bypass the intestine
• It uses a minimally invasive technique
• The risk of complications is significantly lower, and is the safest procedure in bariatric surgery
• It offers faster healing and a quicker recovery than other bariatric surgeries

Once your procedure is complete, your doctor will provide you with dietary guidelines that will need to be followed. Your “pouch” or stomach will be considerably smaller, so you’ll need to learn which nutrients to focus on in order to ensure you’re getting the best nutrition possible. In addition, you’ll also need to exercise, ideally for about 30 minutes or so each day.

Gastric Band surgery can also reduce or treat other obesity-related health conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Sleep apnea
• Joint pain

Dr. Baptista's Bariatric Center is a leader in weight loss surgery, providing patients with world-class care using state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable, licensed facility. Contact us today to learn how we can help you lead a healthier, happier life.