LAP BAND WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY

Congratulations! You have taken the first step to improving your health and well being. Weight loss surgery using the FDA approved Lap Band AP System is one of the most popular choices amongst patients looking to achieve significant long term weight loss. The doctors and staff at California Surgical Institute are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and are experienced in helping patients get started and stay on track.

WHAT IS THE LAP BAND?

The Lap Band AP System is the 3rd generation gastric band from Allergan. Using the latest technological advances, the patented Omniform technology allows for 360 degree inflation – providing evenly distributed pressure and an increased potential fill volume, which allows for more precise adjustments. This design also decreases the instance of rupture or leaving caused from creases or folds. An access port is attached to the end of the system to allow for easy adjustments.

HOW DOES THE LAP BAND WORK?

Lap Band surgery is a minimally invasive technique for utilizing laparoscopic technology. Small incisions are made on the abdomen and the Lap Band AP System is carefully inserted and placed around the upper part of the stomach utilizing precise tools for accuracy. The Lap Band system is connected to an access port attached to the muscle wall by a thin hollow tube, allowing for easy adjustments.

When the Lap Band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, the amount of food intake is restricted resulting in healthy, steady, long term weight loss.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAP BAND AND GASTRIC BYPASS?

Many patients prefer gastric banding to gastric bypass because it is less invasive, has fewer risks, fewer side effects and allows for more precise monitoring of weight loss. Gastric bypass involves cutting and stapling of the stomach as well as re-routing of the intestines, which requires more time in surgery, more time to recover and also results in complications which can include leaking, digestive problems, “dumping syndrome” and nutritional deficiencies.

The lap band does not involve cutting of the stomach or intestines and unlike gastric bypass, is adjustable and can be removed if desired. Complications with lap band are significantly less severe than that of gastric bypass. The most common complications include vomiting after eating (particularly greasy foods or too much food), slippage of the gastric band or leaking of the Lap Band system. Slippage or leaking can be corrected with a revision procedure and typically does not cause damage to the body. The solution used to inflate the lap band system to restrict food intake is saline (salt water), so it does not pose a threat to the body if the band were to rupture.

AFTER LAP BAND SURGERY - KEEPING THE WEIGHT OFF

Because of the adjustable nature of the Lap Band, this system has been an effective long term weight loss solution. However, it is important to know that your journey doesn’t end with surgery. California Surgical Institute will help keep you on track by scheduling regular adjustments with your surgeon and encouraging continued follow up appointments with your nutritionist. We also offer special packages from Curves for your exercise regimen and provide membership to Lap Band support groups to keep you motivated and on track. Every patient is treated as an individual and will receive a customized plan for long term weight loss.

GETTING STARTED…

Are You a Candidate for Lap Band?

• Do you have a BMI of 40 or higher?
• Do you have a BMI of 35 or higher with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea?
• Have you been actively trying to lose weight for at least 6 months?
• Are you dedicated to changing your lifestyle for improved health and well being- including changing your eating and exercise habits

LAP BAND COVERED BY INSURANCE

The Lap Band AP System is covered by most PPO insurance carriers. To find out if you are covered for Lap Band with insurance, please fill out our Free Online Insurance Verification Form.

California Surgical Institute upholds strict privacy policies, keeping your information confidential. Verifications can also be performed over the phone. To find out if you qualify, please call 866-372-3288.

Because verification and authorization of insurance benefits can take some time, we recommend beginning this process prior to your consultation. A designated, friendly customer care employee will help you through this process and provide you with regular updates as well as answer any questions you may have. Financing is also available for those who qualify.

Most insurance carriers require:

• Documentation of a physical from your primary care physician
• Documentation of Medically Supervised Weight Loss
• Psychological Evaluation
• Consultation and Evaluation with a Nutritionist

SCHEDULING A CONSULTATION WITH A LAP BAND SURGEON

All of the Lap Band surgeons at California Surgical are Board Certified Bariatric Surgeons specializing in laparoscopic gastric banding. We offer complimentary one-on-one consultations with the surgeon to ensure privacy and to make sure all of your questions are answered. No two patients are alike, therefore every consultation is different. We encourage our patients to do as much research as possible, so that they are educated and confident in the procedure. Our friendly staff is available to answer any additional questions or to schedule an appointment.

To learn more, visit our Lap Band Surgery Website & Blog