Life With Lap-Band®
Lifelong support with Lap-Band®
From our thriving social community, educational resources, to our ReShapeCare® program, there are so many ways to find support throughout your Lap-Band journey!
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Explore our Lap-Band® Guides
Get the tips you need to make the most of the Lap-Band® program at each stage of your journey.
Find an adjustment specialist
The Lap-Band® was designed to evolve with you as your needs change. An adjustment specialist can help ensure a personalized fit over time.
Common questions
Find answers to your questions about living with the Lap-Band®
How is the Lap-Band adjusted?
The Lap-Band® system is adjusted by inserting a fine needle through a small access port located under the skin and injecting or removing saline solution, which tightens or loosens the Gastric Band. The Lap-Band should typically be adjusted an average of 5-6 times in the first year for the best long-term weight-loss results. Adjustments to the Lap-Band are made through a discreet and carefully placed access port that helps improve recovery and ensures comfortable adjustments. When your needs change, or you have a major life event like pregnancy, the Lap-Band adjusts to you. Take the first step and sign up for a free consult https://www.lapband.com/request-a-consult/ or start your journey at https://www.lapband.com/start-your-journey/.
Will I feel sick a lot after the operation?
If you feel nauseated or sick on a regular basis, it may mean you need to chew your food more thoroughly or follow your new diet more strictly. However, feeling sick could indicate a problem with the adjustment (ReShape Lap-Band could possibly be too tight) of the band – so contact your doctor if you feel sick regularly. In either case, chew your food slowly and as thoroughly as you can to help prevent vomiting or regurgitation – which can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch or lead to slippage. These scenarios could reduce the success of the operation or require an adjustment (to remove some of its fluid content). In some instances, another operation may be required.
What does recovery look like?
Recovery time will vary by patient. Because the Lap-Band® procedure is done laparoscopically, the recovery is much shorter than with traditional weight loss surgery. The procedure itself takes about an hour, and most patients can return home quickly. Your surgeon will be able to discuss all of this with you at your initial consultation. For more information on how to prepare for the Lap-Band procedure, please visit us at https://www.lapband.com/why-lb/.
I need a fill but have moved/am no longer with a surgeon
It is extremely important to stay in communication with a Lap-Band® surgeon. If you need assistance locating a new one in your area, please visit us at http://bit.ly/LapBandSurgeon and we would be happy to help you!
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The weight loss journey is full of ups and downs and everything in between. Gain the knowledge and support you need to find joy in every step.
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Important Lap-Band® System Safety Information
The ReShape Lap-Band Systems are approved for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of at least 30 with health conditions related to obesity, who have not seen success with other weight loss methods, like supervised diet, exercise, and behavior modification programs. Choosing this surgery means committing to changes in eating habits for the long term.
The Lap-Band procedure is not approved for individuals under 18 yo, those with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or lead to poor results, such as inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, problems with the stomach and digestion, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, scarring of the liver, individuals unable or unwilling to follow the necessary dietary restrictions, individuals with alcohol or drug addictions, or those currently pregnant. Individuals who become pregnant after band placement may require deflation of their bands.
The ReShape Lap-Band Systems, a long-term tool, may need to be adjusted if you get pregnant, sick, or malnourished. Be careful with anti-inflammatory drugs as they could make the band wear away. Like any surgery, placement of the Lap-Band may have complications such as risks from drugs and methods used, general surgery risks, how well your body handles a foreign object, or in rare cases, risk of death.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with metabolic and bariatric surgery that you and your doctor should discuss. Potential risks associated with the Lap-Band include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach blockage, constipation, swallowing difficulty, diarrhea, abnormal stools, abdominal pain, weakness, incision pain, infection, fever, hernia, chest pain, band movement, stomach pouch expansion, unusual healing, pain at the port site, port movement, and/or hair loss. Additional surgery might be needed. Losing weight quickly could lead to complications requiring more surgery.
Talk to your doctor, and/or visit our website at https://www.lapband.com/product-info for more information on its benefits and risks.