Gastric Banding
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), most commonly known as the LAP-BAND®, is a bariatric surgery to treat obesity. The band system is a weight loss system or tool that utilizes a silicone band placed around the upper part of the stomach to restrict the amount of food a person can eat. Similar to the sleeve gastrectomy, the LAP-BAND® is performed without re-routing the small intestine. However, the gastric band is different from bariatric procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery, because the banding is performed without dividing the stomach, stapling, or entering the gastrointestinal tract.
Benefits of Gastric Banding
- Gastric Banding does not interfere with vitamin absorption
- Gastric Banding is reversible by band removal
- Improvement in co-morbidities such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension*
- Improves overall quality of life*
The Gastric Banding Procedure
This laparoscopic surgery involves placing the adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach which serves to create a small stomach pouch. Dr. Snow is able to perform this procedure laparoscopically, using very small incisions and a high-definition camera to guide the surgical instruments. The band is tightened during a series of office visits after the procedure. This tightening of the gastric band results in a small pouch which allows patients to feel satisfied eating much smaller portions of food. The decreased caloric intake leads to weight loss.
Gastric Band Recovery
The gastric band procedure is typically performed as an outpatient where the patient is discharged the day of the procedure. Patients are typically able to resume regular activity within one week.* You can expect several follow-up appointments with us following surgery to ensure optimal healing, prescribe supplements, and receive dietary and exercise recommendations.
Gastric Band Results
Patients who adhere to our post operative guidelines of dieting and exercise typically lose 40-50% of their excess weight within two years of surgery. The most significant weight loss occurs within the first year after surgery. Patients who adopt a healthy lifestyle and exercise routine are the most successful in maintaining weight loss.*
Gastric Banding Adjustments
The adjustable band is a thin, hollow ring with a small narrow tube that is used to fill the ring with saline, which in turn tightens the restriction around the stomach. Gastric band patients will typically have an appointment for an adjustment approximately one month after the initial band placement procedure. Additional adjustments, also called fills, may be needed if the patient experiences a stall in weight loss, increased hunger, or insufficient restriction.
In order to adjust the band and improve weight loss, we utilize a fluoroscopy machine right there in the office. This helps us visualize the tightness of the band and to monitor for signs that the band may be too tight.
Dr. Snow is skilled in gastric band adjustments and offers adjustments not only to St. Louis Bariatrics patients but additionally to those who have had gastric band surgery elsewhere and are seeking a new surgeon for care. If you are in search of a practice to help with your band issues, please contact St. Louis Bariatrics today to schedule an appointment.
Plan Your Gastric Banding Procedure
Average Self-Pay Cost*:
$16,400
Covered by Insurance:
Yes
Financing Available:
Yes
Minimally Invasive:
Yes
Non-Surgical:
No
Average Procedure Time:
1 hour
Typical Hospital Stay:
Out-patient
Typical Recovery Time:
5 to 7 days
Wondering if Gastric Banding is Right for You?
If you are overweight and it is affecting your health, then Gastric Banding may be your best option. In an initial consultation, Dr. Snow will help you decide if this procedure is right for you.
Gastric Band Removal or Revision Surgery
Occasionally, patients choose to have their gastric bands removed. This is a choice that people may seek for personal reasons, because they aren’t happy with their weight loss results, or, in rare cases, because of complications with the band device. At times the band needs to be surgically repositioned, which is called a revision. Dr. Snow offers both gastric band removal and revision surgery. Learn More About Gastric Band Revision at St. Louis Bariatrics.
Compare Weight Loss Options
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Non-Invasive
Non-Invasive
65% of excess body weight
75% of excess body weight
48% of excess body weight
Average of 5-16% of total body weight
(Varies by medication)
20-40 pounds total
Fast
Fast
Slower
Slow to Moderate
Slow
Less than 1 hour
2 hours
Less than 1 hour
None
Less than 30 minutes
Out-patient
1 night
Out-patient
None
Out-patient
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$11,111
$23,500
$16,400
$30,000*
$7,225
*Calculation based on cost for 5 years of medication at $500 per month. Actual out-of-pocket cost would likely be much higher as most people will need to stay on medication long-term.
FAQs About Gastric Banding
Am I a candidate for gastric banding?
If you suffer from morbid obesity, have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and have struggled to lose weight, you may be a candidate for gastric banding. Dr. Snow takes time to guide each patient through the options available to them and he will help you determine the choice that best meets your needs and goals. A consultation with Dr. Snow is the first step on your journey to better health. Join Us for a FREE Seminar or Schedule Your Consultation.
How long does a gastric band last?
While there is no definitive life span of a gastric band, some studies suggest that more than 50% of bands are removed after 7 to 10 years due to a high failure rate of long-term weight
Trusted Source
Lap Band Revision
UCLA Health
Go to Source
loss.
Does gastric banding have any risks?
All surgical procedures have some risk involved. Gastric banding has the lowest complication rate amongst currently available weight loss
Trusted Source
Gastric Band Surgery (LAP-Band)
Cleveland Clinic
Go to Source
surgeries.
Some possible side effects include heartburn, acid reflux, GERD, esophageal dilation, nausea, vomiting, band erosion, and band slippage.
Can gastric banding help with obesity-related health problems?
Losing weight with a gastric band can help improve certain medical conditions such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2
Trusted Source
Gastric Band Surgery (LAP-Band)
Cleveland Clinic
Go to Source
diabetes.
Where Do I Go From Here?
Dr. Jay Snow takes pride in helping patients get a second chance at health and happiness. In an initial consultation, he will review your medical history, listen to your concerns, explain your options and help you take the next steps to a healthier you. Join Us for a FREE Seminar or contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Snow today!
