Lap band operation

LAP-BAND OPERATION

The main idea behind the operation of lap band surgery is to create a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach with a controlled and adjustable stoma, without cutting stomach and no stapling of stomach but with limiting food intake.

A gastric band which has a balloon from the inside which is adjustable and can reduce stoma size. This band is introduced through tiny (1cm) incisions in the abdomen and is placed around the upper part of the stomach because of its adjustableness. The resulting pouch (or the "new stomach") dramatically reduces the functional capacity of the stomach. The band has a balloon from the inside that is adjustable and can reduce stoma size, thus prolonging the period of fullness.

As this operation should be performed carefully, it is conducted under general anesthesia which can last between 30 minutes and 1 hour. The Band is fitted around the uppermost part of the stomach, forming a 15cc small pouch. It is designed so that it can be inflated or deflated at any time after the operation. This helps the patient continually lose weight until they reach their goals. The restriction takes place in the radiology suite and normally takes 15 minutes. This simple procedure is painless. They inject saline into a port placed under the skin in the wall of the stomach. The tube that comes off of the band leads to the port.

This operation will be adjusted to patient's needs after surgery with no operation to adjust the stoma. As it’s a simple Lap-band operation, patients need not stay for a long time after the operation in the hospital as it hardly takes 48 hours.

As far diet is concerned, there are two diets ordered post-operatively for Gastric Banding patients. When you are ready to begin eating, a clear liquid diet is ordered. You will be on the clear diet for usually one day.

Having lap-band surgery done through Planet Hospital's (http://www.planethospital.com) network of surgeons, you will get a fast quote, immediate surgery date and booking at a much lower price with some of the best trained, board certified surgeons in the world. After the surgery, you can recuperate in a clean comfortable and relaxing environment such as a resort, bed and breakfast, a first rate hotel or a beautiful villa.

The cost of Lap-Band surgery varies from about $17,000 to $30,000, depending on where you live. In the past, insurance companies did not cover this procedure, but increasingly they are paying for all or part of it if medical necessity is established by your doctor.