LAP-BAND® Surgery

The LAP-BAND® System is the name of a procedure where an adjustable gastric band, made out of a silicone belt, with an inflatable “balloon” on the inside, is placed around the top of the stomach. This FDA-approved surgery is done with a laparoscope (Minimally Invasive Surgery) through a series of small incisions. The band is sutured in place using the top of the stomach, and then connected to a port which is placed underneath the skin on top of the abdominal muscles for easy access. One of the advantages of the LAP-BAND® System is the capability of being adjusted as time goes on by inflating the band through the port, using special needles. The initial surgery itself takes only about an hour.