With Lap-band surgery, an adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a stomach pouch that can hold only small amounts of food. Lap-band is a purely restrictive procedure. 

LAP_BAND

Advantages

  • Application of the band is less invasive and doesn't involve stapling or cutting the stomach.

  • The band is adjustable, allowing your doctor to control the size of the pouch outlet.

  • If the band needs to be removed for any reason, the stomach usually returns to its original form.

Disadvantages

  • The procedure is relatively new in the United States and its effectiveness still is being studied. However, it has been used extensively and with good results in Europe and Australia.

  • Insurance companies vary widely in the coverage they provide for this procedure.