The LAP-BAND® System is a small adjustable ring or band that is placed around the upper part of the stomach during a laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgical procedure. LAP-BAND is a safer alternative to many other bariatric (weight loss) surgeries because it does not require cutting, stapling, or rerouting of abdominal organs and is performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic procedures do not require a large incision which generally means less discomfort and faster recovery.

The LAP-BAND  is connected to an access port fixed just beneath the skin of the abdomen by a long tube. Saline can be injected into the port or removed from it to vary the size of the band around the stomach. This is most usually called an adjustment or fill.

The band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach and restricts the amount of food moving into the stomach.  This creates a feeling of fullness after a very small amount of food is eaten and helps you feel full longer. 

The combination of smaller amounts of food and less frequent meals results in weight loss. By adjusting the amount of food that passes through the band, the amount off weight loss can be controlled by your surgeon to meet your health needs and weight loss goals.