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About the Surgery
The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System Procedure

The LAP-BAND® System is usually placed laparoscopically while you are under general anesthesia. While you may be in the operating room for two to three hours, the surgery itself typically takes about an hour. First, the surgeon makes a few very small incisions in the abdominal wall and secures "ports" in these incisions to accommodate long, thin surgical instruments. A narrow camera is also passed through one of these ports so that the surgeon can view the operative site on a nearby video monitor. A small tunnel is made behind the top of the stomach to let the LAP-BAND® System device through and allow it to be wrapped around the upper part of the stomach, like a wristwatch. The LAP-BAND® System is then locked securely in a ring around the stomach. This creates your new, smaller stomach pouch. Also, to help hold the LAP-BAND® System in place, stomach tissue is folded over it and stitched together. The rest of the lower stomach will stay in its normal position. Then, the small access port, which is used for LAP-BAND® System adjustments, is fixed just underneath the skin. The access port is used by the surgeon to inject saline (sterile salt water) into the LAP-BAND® when you have an adjustment. The LAP-BAND® System is usually left empty for the first 6 weeks after surgery.

The LAP-BAND® System Procedure - Watch this video (running time: 7 minutes)

Learn how the LAP-BAND® System works with your body, who is a good candidate, how the surgery is performed, and why post-op adjustments are important.

Cyndi's Story

Cyndi was worried that gastric bypass was too drastic - find out what happened when she found the LAP-BAND® System...

Learn how Cyndi made the decision to use the LAP-BAND® System

Your results may vary. Click here for detailed risk information.

Emmi® Interactive Patient Education Program

Emmi® is a free, interactive presentation about the LAP-BAND® System that links you and your surgeon. The video above is an introductory presentation of the program. This 30-minute program, which you can watch in your surgeon's office or at home at your leisure, will take you through the entire process - from explaining your anatomy to the procedure to life after surgery. Some surgeons require that you watch this program prior to undergoing your procedure. When you are done you can share it with your family and friends. And your surgeon will be alerted when you’ve completed the program so you can follow up with him or her at your next office visit. Ask your surgeon if he or she offers Emmi®. Then sign up for My LAP-BAND® Journey to watch.
To learn more about the LAP-BAND® System and to ensure that you are well prepared for your surgery, it is recommended that you download and read the LAP-BAND® System patient booklet.
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Do you have a question?
Need more information?
1-800-LAP-BAND

The LAP-BAND® System information hotline is available 7 days a week.