When a doctor advices a patient to consider gastric banding surgery the patient might get confused if doctor mentions the lapband surgery as well. Most patients think it’s two different surgeries but the truth is that they both are the same thing.

Laparoscopic gastric banding surgery is the second most common weight loss surgery, after gastric bypass. Gastric banding surgery involves the use of laparoscopic tools, and the placement by a surgeon of an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. Squeezed by the silicone band, a small upper pouch is created to limit the intake of food. Thie area through which food is allowed to travel is constricted to about an inch. After banding, the stomach can only hold about an ounce of food.

The lap band is known for it’s adjustable nature. A tube runs from the silicone band to a port just under the skin. Saline can be injected or removed through this port by injecting saline. In this way, the band can be tightened or loosened as needed. This can reduce side effects and improve weight loss. A lap band doctor will provide all the post operative instructions, insuring that patients know and understand how to live life after lap band. By following these simple instructions, patients can prevent many of the common side effects.

Once the lap band is placed the patient will notice how different they will begin to feel. Pounds will start to come off, health will start to improve and self esteem will begin to rise. In order to follow up with the surgery the lap band doctor will ask patients to attend follow up appointments at the lap band clinic. The doctor will make sure that the lap band hasn’t slipped and that the patient does not have any complications since surgery.

Gastric banding surgery is considered the least invasive weight loss surgery. It is also the safest. The procedure can be reversed if necessary, and in time, the stomach generally returns to its normal size. Gastric banding surgery has a low complication rate. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding does not interfere with food absorption. For this reason, vitamin deficiencies are rare after gastric banding.

The lap band cost can range from $15,000 to $18,000. Prices depend on weather or not a patient has existing medical conditions, what lap band surgeon the patient chooses, in what hospital or facility the surgery takes place, and what way the patient chooses to pay for surgery. The lap band is covered by most PPO insurance. If a patient’s insurance plan doesn’t cover bariatric surgery, there are also financing options. Most lap band facilities offer financing services through medical financing companies such as Care Credit.

Many patients have noticed an improvement on their health, especially when it comes to obesity related medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. While these conditions aren’t cured, the symptoms greatly decrease.

For more information about the lap band surgery or a free insurance verification please visit www.lovelapband.com or call (877)919-9997.