Lap-Band® surgery is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure designed to help individuals with obesity achieve long-term weight reduction.

Our team at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, Georgia, performs Lap-Band surgery, which isn’t like other more invasive bariatric surgeries.

What is a Lap-Band?

A Lap-Band creates a smaller stomach pouch, reducing the amount of food you can consume at one time. Because food passes slowly from the small pouch into the rest of your stomach, you feel full sooner and for a longer duration.

Unlike other bariatric procedures like gastric bypass, Lap-Band surgery doesn’t alter your stomach’s natural digestion process or nutrient absorption.

The procedure

We perform Lap-Band surgery under general anesthesia, and the procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes. We use laparoscopic techniques, meaning we make small incisions in your abdomen to insert a camera and surgical instruments.

We then secure the silicone band around the upper portion of your stomach. We connect a small port to the band and position it under the skin, allowing for future adjustments.

Recovery and lifestyle changes

You should be able to return home the same day as the procedure and resume normal activities within a week. But you’ll need to follow a modified diet to allow your stomach to heal, which consists of:

• Liquid phase (first 1-2 weeks) — clear liquids and protein shakes
• Pureed foods (weeks 3-4) — blended foods like soups and soft vegetables
• Soft foods (weeks 5-6) — mashed or soft-textured foods
• Solid foods (week 7+) — gradual reintroduction of regular foods with portion control

You can have long-term success with Lap-Band surgery if you adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity. To maintain weight loss, eat smaller portions, chew thoroughly, and avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.

After surgery, we monitor your progress and provide tips and support.

Potential risks and considerations

While Lap-Band surgery is less invasive than other bariatric procedures, it comes with potential risks, including:

• Band slippage or erosion
• Acid reflux or nausea
• Infection at the port site
• Inadequate weight loss if you don’t follow dietary guidelines

You may eventually require band removal or conversion to another weight loss procedure if you have complications or if you have insufficient weight loss.

Benefits of Lap-Band surgery

One of the key benefits of the Lap-Band is its adjustability. We can tighten or loosen the band by injecting or removing saline through the port under your skin, allowing for personalized weight loss management.

It’s a great option with flexibility if you need adjustments based on your weight loss progress and lifestyle changes.

Is Lap-Band surgery right for you?

If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or if you have a BMI of 30-39.9 and have obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, Lap-Band surgery might be a good option. We can help you make that decision based on your health needs and weight loss goals.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, click here to schedule a consultation today.

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