How Does Lap Band Weight Loss Surgery Work?

Lap band weight loss surgery is similar to the staple surgery that you have heard about in that it is a restrictive weight loss surgery method. The good news however is that with lap band weight loss surgery you do not have to be opened up and only minor incisions will be made.

During lap band weight loss surgery a smaller stomach pouch is created in the upper portion of you stomach. Normally, this pouch will only hold about ½ to 1 ounce of food. This pouch connects to the rest of your stomach through an outlet called a stoma. You will feel full when your upper stomach is full and you will be able to control your weight gain and of course lose weight.

The procedure is quite easy where a band will be placed around your stomach creating the smaller pouch. The band is adjustable with only a short office visit. This way you can deflate or inflate the band as needed for you to be able to control the amount of food that you consume.

After the surgery, you will be placed on a liquid diet and then on a pureed food diet for a short while. Then it will be back on regular food but you will have to listen to your surgeon and your physician to ensure that you eat properly and do not over eat. You may still be able to stretch the smaller pouch if you do insist on eating more than is necessary for you to fill full. Once you fill full, you should stop eating or you will be defeating the purpose of the lap band weight loss surgery.