The LAP-BAND® system, also known as laparoscopic banding, or gastric banding, is a surgical procedure to help treat morbid obesity. It is a laparoscopic procedure meaning that only tiny incisions are made in the abdomen to perform the surgery compared to a traditional open surgery technique. The bariatric surgeon will then place an adjustable gastric band that creates a small pouch on the upper portion of your stomach. The surgery typically lasts less than an hour. It also does not have a lengthy recovery or involves cutting the stomach or other anatomy than other more invasive bariatric procedures.

It works by the restrictive approach, as a stomach pouch is created by the surgeon limits the amount of food intake. Meaning you will feel full with less food, thus lowering your caloric intake and aid in excess weight loss. It is adjustable and reversible, which makes it quite appealing to many. The adjustable gastric banding aspect makes it ideal for long term weight loss. If your band needs to be tightened to lose more weight or loosed if you are pregnant to allow you to provide additional nutrition to your baby, it makes it a very flexible tool in this aspect.

This surgery can also be a single incision laparoscopic (SILS) option, which is done through the belly button with only one incision with virtually no visible scar. Some bariatric surgeons can also perform the procedure via robotic surgery. However, not all surgeons do the SILS or robotic approach. It is a safer bariatric procedure compared to gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, with one of the lowest mortality rates compared to other surgical weight loss procedures.

Dr. Frederick Tiesenga and Dr. Juaquito Jorge are renowned bariatric surgeons who are passionate about helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals. Schedule your appointment today.

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