Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) Surgery: What to Expect

Lap-band surgery places an adjustable band around the upper stomach, creating a small pouch that limits food intake. It’s a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure (30–60 minutes) done through small abdominal incisions with a camera.

Post-Op Diet Progression

• Liquid diet for a few weeks.
• Gradual transition to soft foods, then normal diet.
• Band adjustments as needed for weight loss maintenance.

Benefits

• Minimally invasive, outpatient.
• No stomach cutting or stapling.
• Adjustable and reversible.
• Effective for sustained weight loss.

Risks

• Infection, bleeding, band leakage, erosion, slippage, need for revision surgery.

Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor to decide if lap-band is right for you.