The Surgery

The LAP-BAND surgery requires general anesthesia. In most cases, the LAP-BAND procedure is performed laparoscopically. During the operation, the surgeon will make small incisions and will insert tiny instruments that will be used to place the band. This surgeon can "see" through a monitor that is connected to a camera inserted along with the instruments. The band portion of the LAP-BAND system is then inserted and placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. A portion of the lower part of the stomach is carefully sutured over the band. The rest of the stomach is left intact. The saline reservoir is then placed under the skin.

After the surgery

Once you wake up and the effects of the anesthecia are gone, you will probably feel some moderate pain. This can be relieved with pain killers. The staff will then help you stand up and move around to prevent blood clots and any respiratory problem.

The next day after the surgery, you will be taken X-rays to verify that the LAP-BAND system is in the right place and to get a better view of your new stomach. This is their first assessment of how the new stomach outlet looks like. This will largely determine your eating habits immediately thereafter.

The regular hospital stay for a laparoscopic procedure is 2 days, but this will be determined by the surgeon depending on a number of factors. Normally, the patient can resume activities within a week or two after the surgery.