Lap Band FAQs

Lap Band surgery is an elective procedure that aids morbidly obese individuals in losing weight by placing a silicone rubber band around the stomach to make it smaller. Although it is a minimally invasive operation, anyone considering this alternative to routine gastric bypass band surgery is bound to have a few questions in regards to the procedure.

Below are a few of the commonly asked questions patients ask bariatric practitioners prior to their operation. You may find what you are looking for here. If not, be sure to sit down with your doctor and address any lingering doubts you may have prior to your operation.

1. Am I a candidate for lap band surgery? Men and women who are primary candidates for lap band surgery are generally young and in good health, do not smoke and do not have any severe, preexisting conditions like cancer, HIV or anything that suppresses the immune system.
2. How much does Lap Band surgery cost? It depends on the doctor and facility but it can range anywhere from $10-30 thousand dollars. Payment schedules and plans are available however, so be sure to talk to your doctor to see what you financing options are.
3. What are the major side effects and complications? Most lap bands surgeries are extremely successful; however, there is a risk of the band slipping or becoming infected. Slippage or prolapse is when the stomach slides up through the band, making the pouch bigger. This can cause acid reflux and vomiting. A slipped band is easily diagnosed with an x-ray and barium swallow examination and is corrected via surgery. If you are experiencing any problems, tell your doctor so he can diagnose and fix the issue if need be. Also be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon prior to your operation.
4. Does insurance cover Lap Band Surgery? Because lap band surgery is considered to be largely cosmetic, most insurance companies do not provide this as an option. That said, some will make special exceptions if there is an associated heath risk with the weight that warrants the surgery. Be sure to ask your insurance provider about your options.
5. How soon will I lose weight after lap band surgery? That is really up to the patient. If you follow the doctor’s orders, you should lose a noticeable amount of weight slowly and permanently in about a year. Nearly 50 percent of lap band recipients lose excess weight in roughly five years.
6. Will I be on a restrictive diet after Lap Band surgery? Yes and it will initially be a liquid one which will be followed by meals consisting of pureed and blended foods. Four to six weeks post surgery you may begin to eat foods with a more solid yet soft consistency like ground meat, but you will have to chew thoroughly and remember to drink several glasses of water throughout the day, NOT during meals.
7. Will I have to take a vitamin supplement, and if so, please explain? Because you may not be getting all the nutrients you need from liquid and pureed meals you may need to use a vitamin supplement. Continuing this practice even after solid foods are reintroduced may be a great idea as well.
8. Is the lap band permanent? Yes, if you remove the band you will regain the weight you already lost. However, the lapband will be removed after you have lost the weight. Possible weight gain then depends on you.

Once again, if you have any pressing concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor. The people who are most successful after lap band surgery are those who are the proactive in their own care.