What Happens During Bariatric Surgery?

During the after weight loss surgery, the surgeon will use laparoscopic techniques (making tiny incisions and inserting long-shafted instruments, including a narrow camera through “ports”) to wrap the LAP-BAND System around the patient’s stomach. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper stomach to create the new stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. The band is then locked securely in a ring around the stomach and sewn into place. In extreme cases, the procedure may be converted to an open procedure instead of laparoscopic. The weight loss surgery will typically take about an hour, but sometimes less. Improvements in the device and surgical technique have resulted in a very safe and effective procedure. The procedure is completely reversible.