During the Lap Band procedure, laparoscopic techniques are used to make small incisions which provide access for the surgeon to place an inflatable silicone band around the patient’s upper stomach. Like a wrist-watch, the band is fastened around the stomach to create a smaller pouch that limits and controls the amount of food the patient eats. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process in the lower-half of the stomach and intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of "fullness" and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. This results in the patient losing weight.

Since there is no cutting, stapling or intestinal re-routing involved in the Lap Band System procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all available weight loss surgeries. In fact, in a study conducted by renowned Lap Band expert, Dr. Paul O'Brien, M.D., gastric banding was proven approximately 10 times safer then the gastric bypass. The laparoscopic approach to surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain and quicker recovery. If for any reason the Lap Band is removed, the stomach will generally return to normal.

The success of the Lap Band is determined by its adjustability. It is the only surgery of its kind to offer this type of weight loss management. Adjustments are done to customize the weight loss rate. Your physiology can change as you lose weight and the Lap Band offers this unique adjustability to conform to your individual needs. For example, pregnant patients can remove fluid from their band to allow for adequate nutrition and patients who aren’t experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.