Lap Band Surgery - How the Lap-Band System is Placed

The lap-band system is designed to be placed with laparoscopic surgery. Although considered to be significantly less invasive than traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery is still surgery, and general anesthesia is required.

First the surgeon makes a few small incisions (or “ports”) in the abdominal wall for the insertion of long, thin surgical instruments. The surgeon "sees" inside the abdomen by using a small camera which is also placed through the tubes, and the picture is projected on a television-type monitor.

A small tunnel is made behind the top of the stomach to let the gastric band through and allow it to be wrapped around the upper part of the stomach, almost like a wristwatch. The band is then locked securely in a ring around the stomach. The lap-band is usually left empty or only partially inflated for the first four to six weeks after surgery.

This surgical technique is called “laparoscopy” and is considered “minimally invasive.” Most people experience much less pain following a laparoscopic operation than after a traditional “open” operation in which a larger incision is made through the abdominal wall. Patients also recover faster and are able to resume normal activities more rapidly.

However, for a variety of reasons, the surgeon may place the lap-band system by way of a larger abdominal incision rather than using laparoscopy. The surgeon may need to make this decision during the surgical procedure. Both approaches should be discussed with your surgeon.