Contact our bariatric surgery practice, serving Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and surrounding areas, to schedule an appointment.
Laparoscopy Bariatric Center
at Syosset Hospital, the Center for Surgical Specialties, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System.
221 Jericho Turnpike
Syosset, NY 11791
(516) 714-5431
LAP-BAND® System and Bariatric Surgery FAQs – Connecticut, New Jersey, New York
The LAP-BAND® System, a technique available at our Laparoscopy Bariatric Center serving New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, and beyond, is a state-of-the-art procedure designed to help morbidly obese patients lose weight and restore health. To help potential patients better understand the treatment, we have provided answers to some of the questions we receive most frequently at our practice.
Our bariatric surgeons welcome the chance to address any other concerns you may have: contact our surgery center today.
- What will happen during surgery?
- How is the LAP-BAND® System "adjustable?"
- How long with it take to experience noticeable results?
- What about recovery?
- Will I feel hungry?
- What can I eat after the LAP-BAND® System is placed?
- What are the differences between the LAP-BAND® System and gastric bypass surgery?
- How much weight can I expect to lose?
- Will my physical activity be limited by the LAP-BAND® System and bariatric surgery?
How does the LAP-BAND® System work to achieve weight-loss?
The LAP-BAND® System allows our surgeons to create a smaller stomach pouch by means of a silicone balloon-like band that is filled with saline and placed around the upper part of the stomach. This band reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold, and also controls the outlet between the new upper stomach pouch and the lower area of the stomach. When the stomach outlet is smaller, it feels full much faster because the food is moving more slowly between the upper and lower regions of the stomach as it digests. This leads to eating less, resulting in weight-loss.
What will happen during surgery?
During LAP-BAND® System bariatric surgery at our practice serving New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York, one of our physicians will use laparoscopy techniques to place the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band around the stomach. This involves making small incisions in the abdominal area and using long, thin instruments to perform the procedure. A tiny camera is also inserted inside the abdomen so the doctors can visualize the area on a video monitor. The band is affixed to the upper part of the stomach, creating the stomach pouch that will work to control the amount of food that can be consumed. The band is then locked in a ring around the stomach, and the incisions closed.
How is the LAP-BAND® System "adjustable?"
During the initial LAP-BAND® System procedure, Dr. Alan Geiss or Dr. Colin Powers will create an access port to the area, just beneath the abdominal skin, which will be connected to the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Band around the stomach. When necessary, our physicians can change the size of the stomach outlet by increasing or reducing the saline inside the balloon that forms the band. This enables them to adjust the way the LAP-BAND® System performs without the need for additional surgery.
How long will it take to experience noticeable results?
Because every patient is unique, the time it takes for noticeable weight loss to result from LAP-BAND® System bariatric surgery will vary. However, patients who follow the nutritional guidelines after the procedure can typically expect to lose about one to two pounds a week in the first year following the operation.
What about recovery?
With laparoscopic LAP-BAND® System surgery, patients can generally expect to spend less than a day in the hospital. Normal daily and work routines can typically resume after about a week, though it usually takes about six weeks before patients can start exercising again. If there are complications during the procedure, or if the LAP-BAND® System procedure is performed as open bariatric surgery and not laparoscopically, recovery could take longer.
Will I feel hungry?
Feelings of hunger can typically be avoided if you follow the standard nutrition guidelines after surgery. Our laparoscopic surgeon will discuss with you in detail the importance of making the right choices about the food you eat and other post-operative dietary tips to ensure long-lasting results of the LAP-BAND® System procedure, as well as a pleasurable and satisfying new eating style.
What can I eat after the LAP-BAND® System is placed?
For the most part, you can eat any foods that don't cause you discomfort, but it's important to remember that you will only be able to eat small portions of food at a time. You will be given a comprehensive guideline of vitamin and nutrient-rich foods that should be incorporated into your eating habits after surgery to make sure your body is adequately nourished on a daily basis.
Contact our bariatric surgery practice serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and surrounding areas, to learn more about post-bariatric surgery dietary guidelines.
What are the differences between the LAP-BAND® System and gastric bypass surgery?
Put simply, LAP-BAND® System bariatric surgery, when performed using laparoscopic techniques, does not require a large incision like that created in traditional gastric bypass surgery. By using small incisions and long, slender instruments, the LAP-BAND® System avoids cutting the stomach and stapling or rerouting the gastrointestinal tract to bypass normal food digestion.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss after bariatric surgery varies with each patient; however, one pound per week is the most likely result. Some patients lose two to three pounds a week in the first year after bariatric surgery with the LAP-BAND® System. Please be aware that the weight loss should occur gradually: losing too much too quickly is a health hazard and can lead to a range of serious problems.
The goal of LAP-BAND® System surgery is to resolve health problems created by morbid obesity and improve overall health. Our laparoscopic surgeon will provide you with a detailed nutritional guideline for use after the procedure is complete.
Will my physical activity be limited by the LAP-BAND® System and bariatric surgery?
The LAP-BAND® System will not limit physical activity. In fact, we encourage patients to make exercise a regular part of their lifestyles after the procedure. Diet and exercise are still requirements to combat weight-gain and to ensure good health; the LAP-BAND® System is a tool to help patients achieve that.
During your consultation, Dr. Geiss will discuss appropriate types of exercise and the amount you should undertake.