Laparoscopic gastric banding, or the “lap band,” is one option of weight loss surgery performed in the U.S. The technique uses an adjustable ring, or band, placed around the upper portion of the stomach to reduce its size so you feel satisfied, “not hungry”, sooner leading you not to eat as much as before the surgery. It is and has been considerate the SAFEST weight loss surgery among all the bariatric surgeries.

The gastric band procedure is performed laparoscopically through small incisions in the belly, rather than in an open surgical procedure. Some surgeons like Dr. Baptista can use a single introducer port or trocar placed in the belly button using a “single incision technique”. As a result, it leaves an almost scarless abdomen. The procedure involves less risk of complications both during and after surgery, and it can be performed as an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for a hospital stay.

The adjustable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach and connected to a long tube, which in turn is connected to a special port located just beneath your skin. The band is adjusted by injecting or removing saline solution into the tube through the port, making the band tighter or less restrictive as needed. The adjustments are easy to do, and in generally are performed as an office visit

Perhaps the biggest benefit of gastric banding is that unlike other types of weight loss surgery, it does not alter the size or shape of the stomach, which means it’s completely reversible. Another advantage is that it’s performed laparoscopically through small incisions, resulting in less scarring, faster healing and less discomfort than open surgical procedures that use more, and/or larger incisions.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of gastric banding is that unlike other types of weight loss surgery, it does not alter the size or shape of the stomach, which means it’s completely reversible. Another advantage is that it’s performed laparoscopically through small incisions, resulting in less scarring, faster healing and less discomfort than open surgical procedures that use more, and/or larger incisions.