LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery in Orange County

If you have 50 pounds or more to lose (BMI 30 or greater), 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 (click here to see Dr. Oliak performing a LAP-BAND® operation). The band helps to control hunger and restrict the quantity of food you eat, resulting in weight loss (click here to watch a patient describe how the band has worked for her).

To date, more than 450,000 LAP-BAND® System devices have been placed, and long-term studies show that the average patient loses significant weight and keeps it off (learn more). Studies also show that weight loss after LAP-BAND® surgery causes dramatic improvement in obesity related medical problems (such as diabetes) and may prolong life (learn more).

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 714-582-2530 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

Lower mortality (1/10th that of gastric bypass)

Compared to gastric bypass, fewer and less severe complications

No stapling or cutting of stomach or intestines

No malabsorption

Read more about possible complications and see our complication rates

The LAP-BAND® System is Effective

More than 450,000 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 50-60% of excess weight

Long-term studies show that patients tend to maintain weight loss

Read more about weight loss after surgery and see our results

The LAP-BAND® System causes Medical Problems to Improve

Examples include: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea

Also: joint pains, heartburn, asthma, headaches, infertility, etc.

Read more about how medical problems improve after LAP-BAND®

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 transition/behavior modification 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. Limit your meal portion size to one cup or less
3. Eat slowly, take small bites, chew well
4. Don't snack
5. Don't drink liquids with meals
6. Exercise regularly
7. Obtain the support you need to stay on track (Read more about support after surgery)

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 714-582-2530 or send us an inquiry form today!