LAP-BAND Surgery – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When considering any type of weight loss surgery, it is important to become familiar with the features, benefits and risks of the procedure. Below are some frequently asked questions about LAP-BAND surgery.

Q: Who is an ideal candidate for the procedure?

A: The ideal candidates for LAP-BAND surgery are at least 100 pounds overweight or have a body mass index of at least 40. In some cases, those with a lower BMI would be accepted if there were underlying weight related health issues.

Q: What is the recovery time following the surgery?

A: Because the procedure is performed using a laparoscope, the recovery time is quite short. Many return to all of their normal activities within one week.

Q: Does the LAP-BAND produce the same digestive problems as some other types of weight loss surgery?

A: No, and the reason is that the digestive system is not altered. For example, after certain gastric bypass surgeries, the body will have trouble absorbing enough nutrients. That is not an issue with laparoscopic LAP-BAND surgery, because the digestive functions are not changed. You may notice a bit of a problem with constipation, but that is normal considering that you will be eating far less that you once did.

Q: How much weight can I expect to lose?

A: This is a difficult question to answer, because there are many variables. How overweight the patient is to begin with, how dedicated they are to making the healthy lifestyle choices recommended by the doctor and how the LAP-BAND was adjusted will all have a part in how much weight is lost. 

Q: In the above answer, lifestyle changes were mentioned. What kind of lifestyle changes need to be made following LAP-BAND surgery?

A: The main lifestyle change will be in your eating habits. You will not be able to eat as much as you once did, so you will need to make those calories count. You will have to learn to choose healthy, nutrient rich roods in order to maximize weight loss and be as healthy as possible.