After performing a series of small incisions, your surgeon would use a small camera, called a laparoscope, to visualize placement of the Lap-Band. The Lap-Band is placed around the top of the stomach and secured in place with sutures. The port is then placed underneath the skin on the top part of the abdomen. Surgery should take only about an hour, and an overnight stay in the hospital may or may not be required.

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laprascopic surgery is performed through a small tube. Many people are of the opinion that there is only one incision. This is not the case. Laprascopic surgery has normally three incisions. The smallest incision (about 2cm) is located in the navel so as to disguise any post operative scarring, through this opening a tube is inserted that inflates the stomach cavity like a balloon. This gives the surgeon space within the tummy cavity to see clearly and be able to carry out the procedure with ease and safety. Two incisions 2 - 3 cm long and located on either side of the tummy (depending on the procedure). One is for the camera lens which places the whole view of the procedure up on a wide screen TV in front of the surgeon. The second is for the instruments which are used to carry out the procedure. The advantages of a laprascopic procedure are the fast recovery, rapid healing process, and also the lack of scars afterwards.

How does the port works?

Injecting saline into the port inflates the band, making the passage to the lower part of the stomach smaller, which further restricts food intake. Fluid can easily be removed in the doctor's office if it is too tight

After Lap-Band Surgery: Recovery & Aftercare

Following surgery, you should be able to return to work within a week, with minimal discomfort. You will need to follow a nutrition plan (which may include vitamin supplements) prescribed by your surgeon and/or nutritionist. The nutrition plan will likely include a liquid diet for a few weeks, until you can tolerate soft foods, and later solid foods. A specific exercise program, as well as behavioral-modification therapy, may also be recommended.

Frequent office visits are mandatory to adjust the band. Our assistant nurse in UK-Harley Street or his assistant will be able to inject the port whilst you are in UK. On average, patients require six to eight adjustments of the band during the first 18 months following Lap-Band surgery.

Patients typically lose 50% to 60% of their excess body weight within two years after the procedure. Additional plastic surgery may be indicated, depending on how much weight is lost..