Home > Lap Band & Sleeve

About the Lap Band

What is Lap Band?

The Lap Band is a silicone band – like a ring or belt – that is placed around the upper part of your stomach. The band is designed to place a precise level of pressure on the nerves around the upper part of your stomach so they send signals to your brain that you are not hungry. Because the band also constricts the upper portion of your stomach, you’ll eat less food at one time and feel satisfied sooner.

Here are just a few of the benefits associated with the Lap Band:

It’s adjustable. The ability to adjust the amount of fluid in the band allows patients to customize it to the optimal level to promote satiety (not feeling hungry).

It’s reversible. The Lap Band is reversible and does not involve stomach-stapling or re-routing of the digestive tract. Though it is not generally recommended, it can be removed at any time.

Same-day, outpatient procedure. This laparoscopic, outpatient procedure does not require an overnight hospital stay in most cases. Many patients have the procedure on Friday and return to work on Monday.

Minimally invasive. The Lap Band procedure is significantly safer than gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries because it does not require irreversible cutting and stapling of your stomach and digestive tract.

Low incidence of side effects. The Lap Band procedure has a low incidence of side effects and rarely results in nutritional deficiencies that are more common in stapling methods such as the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries.

Am I a candidate for the Lap Band?

If you’ve not been successful with traditional diets and exercise, the Lap Band could be a great solution to help control hunger and lose excess weight for good.

Many overweight people often struggle with physical and social tasks routinely performed by those with a healthy weight. Shortness of breath, weakness, injuries and discomfort become the norm. Also, many overweight people can suffer social bias, prejudice and discrimination as a result of their appearance. Withdrawing from society is not the answer, as social isolation or depression can lead to loss of hope.

With help from Dr. Marsden and True Results, you can put the physical limitations and social stigmas associated with obesity behind you and start living the life you deserve.

If your BMI is 30 or more and you’re 18 years or older, then you may be an ideal candidate for Lap Band. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a mathematical ratio of your body mass based on your weight and height. BMI is approximate and widely used to measure obesity. This calculator is for general assessment and demonstration purposes only.

Compare your BMI with the chart below to help you determine your candidacy for the Lap Band.

BMI 18 or less: You are NOT a candidate for the Lap Band Procedure. Warning! Your BMI indicates you are underweight and at risk of malnutrition and other health problems. Speak to your physician about your BMI and what is needed to reach a healthy weight.

BMI 19 - 24.9: You are NOT a candidate for the Lap Band procedure. Congratulations! Your healthy weight may reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with being overweight. Keep up the good work!

BMI 25 - 29.9: You MAY be a candidate for the Lap Band procedure. Your BMI indicates you could be at risk for weight-related health conditions including the following: diabetes (Type II), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux (GERD).

BMI 30 - 34.9: You ARE a candidate for the Lap Band procedure. Your BMI indicates you could have an increased risk for weight-related health conditions including the following: diabetes (Type II), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux (GERD). Given your increased risk for weight-related health problems, many surgeons will perform the Lap Band procedure for patients with BMI in this range, if there is evidence of obesity-related risk factors.

BMI 35 - 39.9: You ARE a candidate for Lap Band surgery. Your level of health risk is high for severe chronic health conditions associated with obesity. If your BMI is in this range and you exhibit certain additional health problems, your health insurance could cover the cost of your Lap Band procedure. You can expect to lose an average of 4-8 pounds per month. This weight loss will reduce your risk of serious health conditions including Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and acid reflux. You will also be able to increase your energy, improve your self-esteem, and improve your quality of life.

BMI 40 or more: You ARE a candidate for Lap Band surgery. Your level of health risk is SEVERE for chronic health conditions associated with obesity. Many insurance companies will cover the Lap Band procedure for patients with a BMI of 40 or greater. You can expect to lose an average of 4-8 lbs. per month. This weight loss will reduce your risk of serious health conditions including Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and acid reflux. You will also be able to increase your energy, improve your self-esteem, and improve your quality of life.

About the Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastric sleeve surgery is not a cure for obesity. It is simply a tool to help you begin your weight loss to improve your health. It will not make things simple. You will still have to rise to the challenge of choosing healthy foods. Even with surgery, it is possible to consume enough calories to prevent weight loss. Eating foods high in calories and sugar, constant snacking, or “grazing” throughout the day will result in unsuccessful weight loss or even weight gain.

After weight loss surgery you must drastically change your eating habits to achieve and maintain weight loss, avoid stomach pains and maintain good nutrition. This is why you should learn what changes are expected now to promote best outcomes.

How the Sleeve Gastrectomy Works

The majority of weight loss gastric sleeve procedures performed today use a laparoscopic technique, which is considered minimally invasive. Laparoscopic surgery usually results in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open surgical procedures. The length of time of the surgery varies. One study found that the average operative time was 1.5 to 3.5 hours and the average hospital stay was 2 to 5 days. Patients usually return to normal activities in 2 weeks and are fully recovered in 3 weeks.

During this procedure, a thin vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed. The sleeve is about the size of a banana. This procedure limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. Gastric Sleeve surgery generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by dividing it vertically. This part of the procedure is not reversible. It allows for normal digestion and absorption. Food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body. Your new stomach sleeve will be about 20% the size of your former stomach. Initially, the amount of food you will be able to eat is about ¼ cup, slowly progressing to approximately ½ cup at each meal, no more. Your goal is to work to acquire high quality nutrition in these small quantities. In the long term, you may be able to consume up to 1 cup per meal, but you will still need to make wise food choices to preserve nutrition and weight loss, consuming no more than 1,200 calories per day.

Weight Loss in the First Few Months

Many people find that the weight comes off quickly during the first few months after bariatric surgery. However, the pace of weight loss will likely slow down. Don't be discouraged if you're not losing weight as fast as you had hoped. With the right tools, habits, and support, you can get there.

Call 940-464-2263 for more information.