Lap Band Procedure
Orange County lap band surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon sews a small silicon band around the upper section of the stomach, creating a small pouch to hold and digest food. The band contains a balloon that expands and contracts to create an undersized opening that allows food to pass into the rest of the stomach only once it begins to break down. This helps to prevent a patient from eating too much food in a single setting. The balloon contains an affixed tube that connects to a port just beneath the surface of the skin.
Once in place, the lap band balloon can be adjusted from the comfort of a doctor’s office by injecting or removing saline through the port. This allows for customized lap band sizing that meets each patient’s individual needs. On average, a person will require between 3 and 5 lap band fills throughout the first year after surgery to find the proper fit.
Did you know that the lap band is reversible? It also carries a very low rate of serious complications immediately following the procedure. This type of weight loss surgery is often appealing for patients in Orange County who desire a non-permanent and less complex alternative to irreversible and more invasive weight loss surgery options. If the band is ever removed, the stomach will return to normal size and function.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can I lose with the Lap Band?
Lap band induces less overall weight loss than other procedures, though results vary widely from patient to patient. On average, a patient who undergoes the lap band surgery in Orange County will lose between 40 and 50 percent of excess weight initial months and years following surgery. However, some patients can achieve much higher weight loss – especially with lifestyle changes.
Who qualifies for lap band surgery in Orange County?
Only a surgical evaluation can determine whether the lap band is right for you. However, most otherwise healthy adult patients will qualify if they have a body mass index of 40 or more. Lap band may also be indicated for patients with a lower BMI who also have weight-related medical conditions, such as diabetes.
What should I expect before and after surgery?
If you undergo lap band surgery in Orange County, you will be asked to avoid eating and drinking the night before the procedure. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia in either an outpatient or inpatient setting depending on your health and individual needs. Most lap band procedures take just an hour to complete. It is important to follow a special diet in the initial days following surgery, gradually transitioning from liquids to solids. In most cases, patients can return to work within a week after the procedure.
