If you have 50 pounds or more to lose, the LAP-BAND® System may be an ideal option. The LAP-BAND® procedure involves surgically placing a small adjustable band around the top of the stomach. The band helps you to restrict the quantity of food you eat, resulting in weight loss.

To date, more than 300,000 LAP-BAND® System devices have been placed, and long-term studies show that the average patient loses significant weight and keeps it off. Studies also show that weight loss surgery causes improvement in obesity related medical problems and prolongs life (click here to read more about outcomes after gastric banding surgery).

To learn more about this life changing procedure we encourage you to attend a free, no-obligation LAP-BAND® informational seminar in Orange County with Dr. Oliak - call our office at 1-800-997-1820 or send us an inquiry form today!

How Does The LAP-BAND® System Work?





The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band is surgically placed around the top of the stomach forming a very small pouch (15cc or 1/2oz) above the band. Band tightness around the stomach can be adjusted by adding or removing saline from the port, which is implanted under the skin of the abdomen. When food is consumed, it quickly fills the small stomach pouch, satisfying hunger. Over time, the food empties from the pouch through the band into the remainder of the stomach. Weight loss occurs because the small stomach pouch restricts the quantity of food that can be consumed.

Benefits of LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding

The LAP-BAND® System is Minimally Invasive
-Laparoscopic approach
-No stapling or cutting of the stomach or intestines
-No permanent alteration of anatomy
-Average operative time about 1 hour
-Patients can often be discharged home the day of surgery

The LAP-BAND® System is Safe
- Compared to gastric bypass, fewer and less severe complications
- No stapling or cutting of stomach or intestines
- Lower mortality (1/10th that of gastric bypass)

The LAP-BAND® System is Effective
- More than 300,000 LAP-BAND® operations performed worldwide
- More than 500 scientific publications to date
- Primary weight loss operation in many countries around the world
- Studies document average weight loss of 50-65% of excess weight
- Long-term studies (4-8 years) show that patients maintain weight loss

The LAP-BAND® System Has Fewer Side Effects
- No nutrient or vitamin malabsorption
- No diarrhea

The LAP-BAND® System is Adjustable
- Allows individualized band size for optimum results
- Adjustments performed in doctor’s office
- Supports pregnancy by allowing band opening if needed

The LAP-BAND® System is Reversible
- Removable at any time
- When removed the stomach is returned to its original form and function

Am I a Candidate for LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding?
Candidates for surgery are generally at least 50 pounds overweight (BMI 30 or greater) and have tried and failed to lose weight numerous times in the past. Insurance companies generally require candidates to have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 35 or greater.

What is my BMI?

Hospital Course
LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery typically takes about one hour. General anesthesia is necessary and usually five incisions are required. After surgery patients can be discharged home when they are able to walk without assistance and drink at least 4 ounces of liquids per hour. Generally patients can go home 2-4 hours after the operation is completed.

Diet After LAP-BAND® Surgery
The postoperative diet consists of liquids and meal replacement drinks for two weeks. Patients attend a nutrition class two weeks after surgery to learn how to transition off the liquid diet and to learn the rules of good nutrition and eating after LAP-BAND® System surgery.

Follow-Up After LAP-BAND® Surgery
Follow-up appointments are scheduled every 2-8 weeks for the first 2-3 years after LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery. During follow-up appointments eating habits are reviewed and the band is adjusted if needed. Regular follow-up is associated with better weight loss after surgery, so it is important to commit yourself to regular follow-up.

LAP-BAND® Adjustments
Band adjustments are done in the office and usually take about 10 minutes. The average patient gets 4-6 adjustments the first year, 2-3 adjustments the second year, and fewer in subsequent years. Generally, we tighten the LAP-BAND® System when weight loss falls below 1-2 pounds per week despite good compliance with the rules of eating after surgery.

Rules to Maximize Weight Loss after LAP-BAND® Surgery
Success after LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery is dependent upon maintaining good eating and exercise habits after surgery. Think of the operation as a tool to help you to lose weight. To work well, the tool needs to be used appropriately. The rules of surgery are as follows:

1. Eat 3-5 high protein meals per day
2. Don't snack
3. Don't drink liquids with meals
4. Limit your meal portion size to one cup or less
5. Exercise regularly
6. Attend your follow-up appointments
7. Obtain the support you need to stay on track (e.g. attend support group meetings)

Learn More about LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding!
To learn more we encourage you to attend a free, no-obligation informational seminar with Dr. Oliak - call our Orange County office at 1-800-997-1820 or send us an inquiry form today!