LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band
LAP-BAND® Surgery is a safe and effective weight loss procedure that is less invasive than other bariatric surgeries. This a low-risk procedure is appropriate for a variety of patients; while surgery is typically reserved for patients with a BMI greater than 35, those suffering from excess weight at a BMI of 30-35 may also be candidates. As with all weight loss therapies, success requires dedication to lifelong eating and exercise changes and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.*
Features of the LAP-BAND® System*
- Individual weight loss varies, but one study found, on average, patients achieved 50% excess weight loss by 2.5 years and maintained the loss for five years post-surgery.1
- Gastric Band surgery may lead to improvement in obesity related diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes2
- The Gastric Band is removable. However, removal will result in significant weight gain and our medical team only recommends the Gastric Band procedure to patients who are committed to a lifetime of healthy lifestyle changes.
How Does The LAP-BAND® System Work?
The LAP-BAND® works by physically restricting the stomach so that the patient feels full with a small amount of food. During the Gastric Band procedure, a belt-like device is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch with a tapered opening. The patient will feel satiated when the pouch is full and food will gradually empty through the restricted opening. In order to be adjustable, the band is lined with a balloon. Your surgeon will tighten the band by adding saline to the balloon, and can loosen the band by removing saline from the balloon.
LAP-BAND Surgery
860,000 people have transformed their lives with the LAP-BAND® System. It is the only bariatric surgery option that is adjustable, reversible, and doesn't change your anatomy
Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery - Meet The Edwards Family
In this video from the professionals at Texas Laparoscopic Consultants, meet the Edwards as they prepare for their Lap-Band & Realize Band surgeries in three weeks with Dr. Sherman Yu.
Jennifer's LAP-BAND Surgery
Jennifer is a patient of ours at TLC Surgery who is just 3 days removed from her Lap-Band surgery.
Andreana, a TLC PatientSeeing several of my family members doing well with the surgeries gave me the nerve and inspiration to go through the consultation. I decided to change my life and now I share my story with others that are obese and have become a great mentor to them to transform their lives.
Does Insurance Cover Gastric Band Surgery?
Many health insurance carriers offer coverage for bariatric surgery, but each plan is different and may have various stipulations or requirements. Our experienced insurance navigators can help you with a free insurance check to determine if your insurance plan will cover LAP-BAND® surgery.
What if My Insurance Plan Doesn’t Cover Gastric Band Surgery?
Some insurance plans do not have bariatric coverage, and some include frustrating wait times or confusing requirements. At TLC, we work with independent medical lenders who offer a variety of budget-friendly financing options to allow you to take control of your health.
How Much Does Gastric Band Surgery Cost?
At Texas Laparoscopic Consultants, we understand the importance of effective weight loss, so we partner with independent medical lenders to offer you budget-friendly payment options. An inclusive LAP-BAND® surgery package can be financed with payments as low as $338 per month.* Learn more about self-pay pricing.
*Prices are estimated and may change. Estimated monthly payments are subject to financing approval from independent lenders. Additional fees may apply, please see full disclaimer on payment options page.
Self Pay Package
Monthly Payments As Low As
$338
*Estimated monthly payment for those who qualify. Pricing is subject to change.
About LAP-BAND® Surgery
The LAP-BAND® surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically with laparoscopic technique and is considered a low impact procedure. As with any surgery, there are possible side effects and complications, but because there is no severing or repositioning of any intestine, risks are lower than with other bariatric surgeries. Gastric Band patients are often able to return home on the same day as surgery, and are able to resume normal activities within two weeks.* In the weeks and months following the procedure, the surgeon will tighten and adjust the band to achieve optimal results for each patient. The adjustments are made by increasing or decreasing the amount of saline in the balloon that is adjacent to the band through an access port underneath the skin.
Traveling Patient Information
TLC welcomes patients traveling from out-of-town and we offer virtual consultations so that you can meet with our surgeons and begin the process from the comfort of your own home. Once you are ready to make the trip to Houston for your weight loss surgery, we’ve compiled a few helpful pieces of information to make the process as smooth as possible.
We offer telehealth appointments, online nutrition classes, and online support – all accessible from the comfort of your own home. Plus – after your surgery, you will be able to return home and have your follow-up appointments over the phone. Take the first step on the journey to a healthier life by scheduling your consultation today!
Stay On-Track After LAP-BAND® Surgery
Bariatric surgery, especially the LAP-BAND® procedure, has proven to help countless patients lose weight and begin their journey to a healthier life. Our team strives to provide as much support and guidance as possible, to be sure that you understand maintaining your weight loss after surgery will help to provide long-lasting results. Check out a few tips our team came up with to help:
- Be consistent with a healthy diet & eating habits.
- Maintain an active lifestyle with creative and frequent exercise.
- Surround yourself with support.
- If you feel stuck or need guidance, make an appointment with your doctor or dietitian.
- Don’t be a stranger! We love to hear from our patients and help them stay on track.
- Check out our blog for weight loss tips, inspiration, and dietitian approved-recipes.
Pre-Surgery: Liquid Diet
2 Weeks Before Surgery
Protein Supplements (3 to 5 servings daily, 60-150 grams of protein daily)
Choose supplements with >20g of protein, <10 grams of fat, <10 grams of sugar, <250 calories per serving
- Ready to Drink options: Premier Protein, Muscle Milk, Unjury, Iconic
- Protein Powder options (mixed with ice, water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk, no fruit/vegetables): Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement, Isopure, Orgain
- Avoid: smoothies, food
Clear Liquids (+64oz daily)
Choose products with <50calories, <10g sugar per 8oz serving
- Water with lemon, Crystal Light, G2/GZero, Proper, MiO
- Decaf tea/coffee, herbal tea with sugar substitute
- Sugar free gelatin/ice pops
- Broth (store bought, homemade)
- Avoid: any carbonated beverages, fruit/vegetable juice, soup
Post-Surgery Diet
Day 1-2
+48-64oz Clear Liquids
- Sip on clear liquids (same clear liquid options as pre-op): Crystal Light, G2, GZero, Mio, sugar free gelatin/ice pops, broth
- Do not drink: carbonated beverages, caffeine, protein shakes
- Avoid: drinking through straws, vitamins and do not eat any food.
Day 3-14 (2 weeks)
Full/Thick Liquids
- Start slowly taking Bariatric vitamins
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +40-60 grams of protein from 1-3 Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Smooth (strained) and thick, low fat soups (no rice/noodles, meats, vegetable pieces)
- Smooth, low fat, low sugar Greek yogurt
- Smooth, sugar free pudding
Day 15-28 (weeks 3 and 4)
Pureed Foods
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +40-60 grams of protein from 1 – 3 servings of Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Protein foods: Mashed scrambled eggs, mashed white fish/tuna, finely minced ground turkey, cottage cheese
- High fiber foods: Mashed beans, mashed fruits (bananas, raspberries, pears, etc), mashed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower, avocado, etc.)
- Plain, instant hot cereals
Weeks 5 and 6
Chopped Soft Solid Foods
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +40-60 grams of protein from 1 – 3 servings of Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Protein foods: soft, tender meats (skinless, dark meat chicken, pot roast/roast beef, baked fish), eggs, low fat cheese, low fat deli slices
- High fiber foods: beans, soft cooked vegetables, peeled fruits, high fiber crackers/breakfast cereals
- Avoid bread, pasta, rice and tortillas for 6 months after surgery.
Week 7 and beyond
Chopped Solid Foods (Maintenance Phase)
- +48-64oz clear liquids
- +60-80 grams of protein from 1 – 3 servings of Protein Supplements (Ready to Drink, or protein shakes made with protein powder and water/low fat milk/unsweetened nut milk)
- Protein foods: chopped meats, eggs, low fat cheese, deli meats
- High fiber foods: beans, chopped and shredded raw/cooked vegetables, chopped fruits with skin-on, high fiber crackers/breakfast cereals
Am I a Candidate for LAP-BAND® Surgery?
References
1 Obes Surg. 2013 Jul; 23(7): 903–910. Published online 2013 Feb 28. doi: 10.1007/s11695-013-0881-7
2 Obes Surg. 2013 Jul; 23(7): 903–910. Published online 2013 Feb 28. doi: 10.1007/s11695-013-0881-7
*Individual results may vary
The TLC Surgery Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.