LAP-BAND Surgery in Los Angeles (LA)

What is the LAP-BAND System?

The LAP-BAND® procedure is one of several surgical solutions offered by Marina Weight Loss to patients working to overcome obesity. LAP-BAND is actually a trademarked brand name for one version of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band. Currently there are two gastric bands available in the U.S. – the LAP-BAND, made by Allergan, and the Realize Band, made by Ethicon.

The lap band is placed around the upper part of the stomach and filled with saline (salt water). This creates a new, smaller stomach pouch that can hold only a small amount of food. This new, smaller pouch fills quickly, so you feel full faster, and the food moves slowly out of the upper pouch, so you feel full longer. As a result, you eat less and lose weight.

The LAP-BAND has been around since 1994, and over 600,000 have been implanted worldwide. The LAP-BAND was FDA approved in the U.S. in 2001, and is currently the most popular option for weight loss surgery in the U.S. Improvements in the device and surgical technique have resulted in a very safe and effective procedure with lower complication rates than the gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

How is LAP-BAND Surgery Performed?

The lap band was designed as a laparoscopic procedure. This means that instead of making a large abdominal incision, the surgeon makes small incisions, through which he inserts a camera and specially designed instruments. These instruments allow the surgeon to perform operations very precisely while causing much less trauma to the patient’s body. Laparoscopic technique allows for quicker recovery, lower chance of surgical complication, and less patient discomfort. The operation can take less than an hour if performed by an experienced surgeon.

For the operation, which takes place at our Marina Del Rey facility in greater Los Angeles, you will be placed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be fully unconscious during this stomach surgery. At Marina Del Rey hospital we only work with anesthesiologists experienced in the treatment of bariatric patients to ensure that the procedure is performed as safely as possible.

Although lap band surgery is completely reversible, you should consider the lap band a lifelong commitment. Removal should only be considered if serious complications develop. There is usually significany weight regain if the lap band is removed.

Lap-Band Surgeons at Marina Weight Loss

Many Los Angeles residents have had lap band success stories with Marina Weight Loss in Marina Del Rey. As a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, our center and our surgical team meet a high threshold for experience in bariatric procedures. A Center of Excellence must perform at least 125 bariatric operations per year; each individual surgeon must perform at least 50 annually, and must have performed at least 125 in his or her lifetime. Dr. Jeremy Korman, Medical Director of the Marina Weight Loss program, has successfully performed over 1000 bariatric procedures.

Los Angeles residents looking for help in treating their obesity can be confident in their choice of Marina Weight Loss, a proven center for weight loss surgery in Los Angeles.

Cost of Lap Band Surgery

The costs of lap band surgery in Los Angeles can vary widely from region to region, as well as from patient to patient. The good news is that lap band surgery is widely covered by major insurance providers, including Blue Cross and Medicare, for those patients who meet the necessary criteria. The knowledgeable staff at Marina Weight Loss will help to determine your eligibility and insurance coverage for this procedure. We invite you to call today to speak with one of our representatives to obtain further information.

If insurance does not cover this procedure, our team members are experienced in helping patients explore payment options which are right for them, including affordable financing options. Contact us for more information.

While there are frequently costs associated with bariatric surgery, there is also a high cost to doing nothing. Increased medical costs, increased sick time, lost energy, health complications, decreased comfort, and lower life expectancy are all costs of ongoing obesity.

Recovery Time After Having Lap Band Surgery

After your lap band surgery is complete, you will awaken in a recovery room at Marina Del Rey Hospital, where our experienced medical team will ensure that everything is going smoothly. From recovery, you will be taken to one of our private bariatric suites where you will rest and recover until it is time to go home.

After your lap band operation, you will stay in the hospital for about a day. Within about one week, you will be able to return to your normal activity level — less time than with some other procedures.

Periodically, you will need to come in for adjustments and postoperative check-ups. This follow-up care is a normally scheduled part of the weight loss surgery process.

Further details of postoperative care will be worked out according to your personal requirements, and will be provided by our staff.

LAP-BAND Surgery Support Groups

Post-lap-band-surgery, patients will be provided with a range of support resources to help them reach their health and weight loss goals. As part of this postoperative support, our staff hold support groups for Los Angeles residents who have had the lap band operation. Sharing experiences and encouragement can help immensely in your quest to shed excess weight.

Schedule a LAP-BAND Appointment at Marina Weight Loss

If you want to learn more about lap band surgery call us at (310) 577-5540 or schedule a one-on-one appointment today. We’d be happy to answer your questions.

Download useful information about lap band

• LAP-BAND AP® Adjustable Gastric Banding System with OMNIFORM® Design

• LAP-BAND® System Fact Sheet

• LAP-BAND® System History and Development

• REALIZE® Adjustable Band-C Procedure Guide

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